With Tasmanian Devil numbers in the wild currently dwindling to between 15,000 and 50,000 individuals, every birth is significant. The Zoo has bred 31 healthy Tasmanian Devil joeys so far - a significant boost to the regional zoo-based insurance population of this endangered species. Taronga Western Plains Zoo has two breeding facilities for the Tasmanian Devil located behind the scenes. “We are continuing to collaborate with other breeding institutions to improve the long-term viability of our program, such as Devil Ark in the Barrington Tops, where Lana and Pooki came from, and Tasmania’s Trowunna Wildlife Park, where the father originated,” Steve said. These are based on the unique characteristics and genetics of a breeding pair and, combined with their compatibility upon meeting, can determine breeding success. The Zoo’s breeding success this year is the result of a more targeted approach, and has benefited from favourable breeding recommendations. Taronga Western Plains Zoo is part of a national insurance population program designed to help save the Tasmanian Devil from becoming extinct as a result of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease. While they are still attached to their mother's teats, we’re expecting they will begin to leave their mother’s pouch in the coming weeks,” Steve said. “The four joeys born in June are starting to open their eyes and become more aware of their surroundings. They are now playing with each other and exploring independently outside the den. “The three joeys born in March – two males and one female – are now weaned (meaning they have left mother Lana’s pouch) but they still remain close by her side. “We’re very pleased to see nurturing maternal instincts from both Lana and Pooki, who are both two-year-old females and first-time mothers,” Taronga Western Plains Zoo Senior Keeper Steve Kleinig said. Another female, Pooki, birthed four joeys more recently on 19 June, that are yet to emerge from the pouch. Keepers were recently able to take a close look at each and confirm their sex. The first litter of three joeys arrived on 19 March to mother Lana. Taronga Western Plains Zoo is pleased to announce the arrival of two healthy litters of Tasmanian Devil joeys, marking one of the most successful years to date for the Zoo’s Tasmanian Devil conservation breeding program.
Taronga Institute of Science & Learning.These fights can get so vicious that a devil can end up dead. Soon, the carrion is forgotten and the devils are in an all-out brawl.More ambitious devils try to tug the meal away from its original owner. The smell has lured other devils to the scene, and a growling match ensues.When a Tasmanian devil finds a rotting carcass, it digs in right away, swallowing chunks of meat with fur still attached.Unfortunately, the devils sometimes become road kill themselves. Road Kill: In the search for food, these creatures often are drawn to busy roads where animals are killed by cars. This creature will go after anything it can kill, from insects to small kangaroos. On the Hunt: More than just a scavenger, the Tasmanian Devil does its share of hunting on the ground and in trees. After a group of devils is through eating, there's nothings (sic) left but splinters of bone. They howl with gaping jaws, and if that fails, they really turn nasty and fight one another off. To get the best scraps, they try to intimidate each other. As the stinking carcass rots, several devils at a time can sniff out the body. Tasmanian devils often feed on the bodies of dead animals. The Tasmanian devil always seems to have its mouth open, ready to bite.
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