As our 2019 breeding season comes to a close, it’s time to health check our six joeys and prepare for the 2020 breeding season in late January. 

First off the ranks for the health checks were our two eldest joeys, a male and a female, from first time mother Tess.  Weaning age is at 8 months of age and these two joeys are now ready to be separated from their mother.

The joeys were checked over by our veterinary team and weighed. Both are very healthy and at great weights. Both of the joeys are quite feisty and full of personality, like their mum, Tess. The keepers are looking forward to observing all of their changes as they grow.

Tess was also checked over by keepers and weighed to ensure she is in top notch condition for the upcoming breeding season. Her weight is great and she looking really good. Tess was a great first time mum, so we are hoping 2020 will be another successful year for her.

There are four more joeys from another first time mum, Dharra, who are due to be checked by the veterinary team as soon as they reach their 8-month weaning age in a few weeks.

Once Tasmanian Devil joeys have reached weaning age they are solely eating meat and are completely able to look after themselves.  

It’s been wonderful watching these first time mums do all the right things and raise their little joeys into strong, healthy devils, ready to take on the next year of learning how to socialise with other devils and prepare for their first breeding season in the next couple of years.

By Keeper, Rachel Hanlon