Meet the Tasmanian Devils!
Monarto Safari Park is home to over 10 Tasmanian Devils. We work with several other Australian zoos to ensure there is an insurance population for the Tasmanian Devil in case there is no cure found for the cancerous facial tumour that is wiping out the native population.
Since becoming involved with the national breeding program in 2006, Monarto Safari Park has successfully bred 77 Tasmanian Devil joeys.
A major milestone occurred in October 2013 we saw the first wild release of Monarto Safari Park bred devils to Maria Island off the coast of Tasmania. The devils have since thrived and bred in the wild.
More recently, Tasmanian Devil mum Daenerys gave birth to three joeys, Wattle, Ellie and Russell in May 2024. Mum Belinda also gave birth the following year to two male twins named Pugsley and Gromit. The birth of Daenerys’ and Belinda’s joeys marks another milestone in the conservation of the species.
While the majority of devils are housed in a dedicated breeding facility, we have a Tasmanian Devil habitat near the African Waterhole habitat, which the devils take turns living in. This provides great stimulation as they have access to new smells and sights!
Catch the Tasmanian Devil keeper talk every day near the African Waterhole habitat at 11:30am for a whole bunch of information on this fascinating species.
Tasmanian Devils are Australia’s largest living marsupial carnivore. They were once widespread over mainland Australia, however, the introduction of the dingo is thought to have caused their extinction on the mainland. Today, the Tasmanian Devil is found only on the island state of Tasmania.
Until recently this species was considered common, however, due to the presence of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) there has been a sharp decline in the population. The disease manifests as small lumps near the mouth, which over time grow into large tumours on the face and neck, and occasionally on other parts of the body. DFTD is highly contagious and affected animals appear to die within six months.
Tasmanian Devils are nocturnal creatures and in the wild spend the majority of the day sleeping in a den or dense bush. However, in captivity they have learnt that they face no harm and eagerly come out to be fed during the latter part of the day.
Love Tasmanian Devils? Join the pack and ensure devils survive for generations to come! There are many ways you can help support these darling creatures.
