Tasmanian devils in top form ahead of Barrington release

BY ALEXANDRA REES

Conservation organisation Aussie Ark has recently conducted health checks of their Tasmanian Devils born and bred at the Barrington Tops.

Carried out by expert staff, the checks ensure the animals are in the best health ahead of their release into the Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Aussie Ark curator Kelly Davis says the process is essential.

"We want to give all the devils a really good look over," she said. "We weigh them to make sure they are within a healthy weight range.

"Going out into our sanctuary we wouldn't want them to be underweight or in any way at a disadvantage, we also check for any little injuries and things like that."

Ms Davis says the prime focus is to guarantee a successful breeding season and this year's release into the sanctuary will help boost the devil population from last year. 

"We have done a release of Tasmanian devils into our 400 hectare sanctuary before last year and they've  bred successfully," she said.

"The upcoming breeding season that'll start early next year, the individuals that we're releasing are going to boost the genetic diversity of that population and some of the ones we have confirmed to be born in the sanctuary last year will be old enough to breed."

Image credit: Aussie Ark.

First Tassie Devil Joeys Born in Breeding Program This Year, As Snow Falls On Barrington Tops

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Pouch checks have revealed 26 new Tasmanian Devil joeys have been born so far this year, as part of Aussie Ark's breeding program at the Barrington Tops, just in time for the first snow fall of the year.

The devil joeys are reportedly strong and healthy despite the cold weather in the region, with Aussie Ark hoping to to beat last year's number of 69 joeys.

Aussie Ark President Tim Faulkner says the process of checking pouches for devil joeys is one of the most exciting parts of the year.

“Each year, pouch checking is such a special and thrilling process and this year being paired with the first snowfall for the season made it extra special," said Mr Faulkner.

"We are extremely lucky to be able to witness first-hand the circle of life of the Tasmanian devils and the growth of these joeys – now crucial members of their species' insurance population.”

Pouch checking doesn't just help the organisation estimate how many joeys they can expect in the 2020 breeding season - keepers can also assess the health of both mother devils and their young.

Mr Faulkner says staff cannot wait to watch the next generation of Tasmanian devils grow up.

"Our team is working tirelessly every day to make sure Tasmanian devils do not go extinct – extinction is not an option!" said Mr Faulkner.

"It is encouraging to see that every breeding season is bigger than the last and it’s looking positive to be another stellar year!”

Conversation organisation Aussie Ark currently have the most successful captive breeding program for the endangered animals on the Australian mainland.

All Images Credited to Aussie Ark

Keeper Kelly and Max

Tasmanian Devil Joeys

Image credit: Aussie Ark

 Tasmanian Devil Joeys

Tasmanian Devil Joey

Barrington Tops