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Conservation organisation Aussie Ark is embarking on another world-first - the transfer of 11 Tasmanian Devils to four international zoos.

These ‘Aussie ambassadors’ will help educate different people and cultures about this special endangered species, with the hope it will further inspire their preservation.   

Prague Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Zoo and Singapore Zoo await the 11 Devils, and will be receiving them between December 2024 and March 2025 after the Devils complete quarantine in Tasmania. 

Nine male and two female Devils will make this extraordinary journey. Aussie Ark Operations Manager Dean Reid worked closely with Somersby Animal Hospital head veterinarian Dr Robin Crisman to conduct pre-transfer health checks at the Ark. 

Dr Crisman advised “We did this under a light sedation. We checked out their body condition score, their teeth, made sure there are no external parasites, and when they’re nice and sleepy we extracted blood to make sure there are no abnormalities in the red and white blood cells and that organ function is ok.” 

Reid also weighed each animal, applied preventatives, and - even though Aussie Ark and mainland Australia have no record of the deadly Devil Facial Tumour Disease - the team checked for those symptoms as well. This disease continues to threaten Tasmania’s wild population with extinction. Aussie Ark’s famous insurance population is disease-free, and as expected all 11 animals were confirmed clear of the disease. 

The 11 Devils were then flown to Tasmania for quarantining, further vet checks, and allocation to zoos as recommended by the Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association.   

Reid added “this is the first time Aussie Ark has sent Devils into the Devil ambassador program…and out all over the world. And they’re born here in Australia, right here in the Barrington Tops! I can’t believe that in a couple of years, when I go to Prague Zoo, I’ll see one of our Devils there.” 

Aussie Ark will be tracking them closely on their big overseas journey, with follow-up stories to come.

Aussie Ark is a world-leader in breeding and rewilding some of Australia's most endangered species. As a not-for-profit organisation, Aussie Ark raises the necessary funds to continue its ambitious vision through donations, sponsorships and partnerships.

If you’d like to help Aussie Ark on this unique quest please donate now at aussieark.org.au  

Image. Aussie Ark Operations Manager Dean Reid with sedated Tasmanian Devil. Credit: Aussie Ark

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