Zoo continues breeding success for Tasmanian Devils

Zoo continues breeding success for Tasmanian Devils

#Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

Posted on 23rd October 2014 by Media Relations

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is excited to announce further success for the Tasmanian Devil conservation program, with four joeys born from this year’s breeding season.


The joeys, one male and three females, were born in March 2014 and are the first offspring for mother, Moretti.


“Moretti is a very protective mother and we are really pleased with how she is caring for and nurturing her offspring,” said keeper Denyell Woodhouse.


“Every birth in the Tasmanian Devil breeding program is important. The Devil Facial Tumour Disease is continuing to destroy wild populations, with up to a 90% decline in some wild populations since the discovery of the disease in 1996.”   This recent birth brings the total number of Tasmanian Devils born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo to 22 since the program commenced in 2008.


“The joeys will stay with their mother until approximately 12 months of age, before they will be weaned and become independent,” said Denyell.


“It is hoped that in the future these four joeys will play an important role in the breeding program once fully matured, continuing to create greater genetic diversity in the insurance population.”


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.


Taronga Western Plains Zoo has two breeding facilities for the Tasmanian Devil located behind the scenes.