Taronga Western Plains Zoo has welcomed three new Tasmanian Devils who are ready to meet guests this spring! The Zoo has welcomed three female Tasmanian Devils, Blaze, Devon and Sam, who came to Dubbo from Aussie Ark near Barrington Tops, NSW. 

The trio were quite shy to begin with, but their curiosity quickly got the better of them, and they can often be seen exploring their large habitat – especially when they know the keepers are on their way with food. 

The best time to see the trio is at the Tasmanian Devil Keeper Talk which is back from Saturday 20 September at 2:10pm daily. 

The new arrivals come after the Zoo said goodbye to Mija and Pecorino who both passed away due to their advanced ages. Philus the Tasmanian Devil will live out her twilight years in the Zoo’s behind-the-scenes Tasmanian Devil facility, where keepers and veterinary staff can more easily cater to her medical needs as she ages.

Despite being one of Australia’s most iconic native species, Tasmanian Devils still face great pressure from habitat destruction, attacks from invasive species such as the Red Fox, and an infectious cancer known as the Devil Facial Tumour Disease. 

Taronga Western Plains Zoo became involved in the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program in 2007 when Australian zoos and wildlife parks committed to establishing an insurance population on the mainland. This decision was crucial at that time as an untreatable and fatal threat, the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), had spread amongst wild devils through bites, usually obtained during mating, feeding and fighting. 

Since commencement of the breeding program, Taronga Western Plains Zoo has successfully bred 50 joeys in a dedicated behind-the-scenes breeding facility. The Zoo has now transitioned to an ambassador role within the region for this species as insurance population goals have been met and wild populations are exhibiting a resistance to the disease. 

Blaze, Devon and Sam are important ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping Taronga to provide guests with a chance to see, connect with and learn more about the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial. 

Thank you to GIO for supporting Taronga and the Tasmanian Devils at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. GIO is a Principal Partner of Taronga, supporting Taronga’s ongoing commitment to vital wildlife conservation work and environmental education. 

GIO believes that safeguarding the homes of our precious wildlife is just as important as protecting your own. That’s why they’re proud to support Taronga and those who work tirelessly to protect wildlife and their habitats.