A $10,000 donation in honour of Crown Princess Mary will be handed over to a Tasmanian Devil conservation group as the Hobart-born royal becomes the Queen of Denmark.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the Australian government will provide a $10,700 donation to Wildcare Tasmania to support efforts in ensuring the survival of the iconic creature.
“The story of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark is one Australians have followed closely and hold dear to their hearts,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
“Crown Princess Mary grew up in Tasmania and so it is fitting Australia marks this occasion with a gift to support the conservation of the Tasmanian devil.”
“Australia and Denmark’s close ties go beyond this union, with our nations sharing a commitment to democratic values, human rights, action on climate change and liberal trade.”
“On behalf of all Australians, I wish Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark the very best.”
Wildcare Tasmania actively promotes the conservation of wild devil populations through captive breeding and release programs, as well as research into disease prevention and cure for the endangered devils.
The organisation’s chief executive Jill Maxwell said it was great that the Tasmanian Devil was being supported.
“We were pretty excited, thrilled. Firstly, for Mary to be crowned Queen, also for the recognition of the contribution, all our volunteers do across the state, particularly for the devil conservation, really needed,” Maxwell told Sunrise.
“In 1996 they estimated the Tassie devil’s to be around 53,000 in the wild, 14 years later … there is just over 16,000 … due to the facial tumours.”
“This money will help towards research, vaccinations to protect the devil’s going forward. We are pretty excited.”
The City of Hobart is marking the occasion by planting a blue gum tree in a prominent location.
