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Pouchfuls of promise – nine Tasmanian Devil joeys bring hope to species

Nine Tasmanian Devil joeys have had their first health check at Monarto Zoo, and the photos are adorable!

With button-like noses and glossy jet black fur, seven wriggly and writhing Tasmanian Devil joeys had their first health check at Monarto Safari Park with the other two checked up a few weeks earlier.

“These devils are now six months old,” said keeper Simon Dower, admiring the seven. “They were all weighed, had their teeth checked and had a general once over.

“We also give them a microchip and take a DNA sample for genetics; useful for future breeding, planning and for research.”

“The joeys, born to first time mums Polly and Wanda and second-time mum Violet and Dads Madigan, Moama and Naz were all found to be in good health with four females and five boys.

 “This year’s breeding season was flawless,” continued Simon. “All our plans were well executed and in total we had nine joeys.  We will now wait for the species coordinator, the person who plans where the joeys will go or who they will breed with, to advise what happens next.

As sweet as they look as joeys, Tasmanian Devils often get a bad rap. When asked what he loves about the species Simon said: “I feel like Tasmanian Devils are the underdog. There’s a negative stigma about them but they’re great animals. We’ve seen some really shy devils become really protective mums. Their parenting instinct is really strong.”

Monarto Safari Park has a long history of breeding Tasmanian Devils, with a number of these being released into the wild on Maria Island where they will join other devils as part of the region’s critical recovery program.

Tasmanian Devil numbers have been impacted over the years by an aggressive Devil Facial Tumour Disease. Wild populations have been decimated to the point where conservation programs such as the one at Monarto Safari Park are vital to their survival.

Genetic diversity and strength, produced through conservation management, is important in the wild releases to ensure a healthy and virile population and that the Tasmanian Devil avoids extinction.

With 31 Tasmanian Devils in total to care for the Natives round for Simon and his co-keepers is always busy! 

Zoos SA will be holding a naming competition for the joeys in the not too distant future.

Members and visitors to Monarto Safari Park can learn about the Tasmanian Devil and Zoos SA’s efforts to help save their species through keeper talks, held daily.

All members and visitors to Monarto Park are encouraged to book online prior to visiting by going to www.monartosafari.com.au/tickets

As a COVID Management site all guests must wear a face mask at all times. Please follow all direction from the COVID marshals and signage.

This Sunday is Father’s Day and a trip to Monarto Safari Park is the perfect way for all the family to celebrate and thank the ‘dad’ in your life. All fatherly figures will receive a chocolate heart on arrival – just a small token to show them how special they are. Please remember to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

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