Partnership to ensure devil’s long-term sustainability

The Hodgman Liberal Government is partnering with Japan’s Tama Zoological Park to provide for the long-term sustainability of the Tasmanian devil.
Through education and knowledge sharing, the partnership aims to ensure the devil’s continual survival into the future.
It was my pleasure today to meet with the General Curator of the Tama Zoological Park Yasumasa Tomita, who is on a tour of the State to learn more about the handling and requirements for housing a Tasmanian devil.
A Tasmanian devil enclosure has been purpose built at the Tama Zoological Park, helping to bring the story of the Tasmanian devil to Japan.
The Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program (TDAP) was initiated in 2013, and developed in close consultation with the Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), and two devils (both female) were transferred from Tasmania to the Tama Zoological Park in June as part of the Ambassador Devil Initiative.
These animals are being used for advocacy through public display, helping to publicise the Tasmanian devil and its fight against the deadly Devil Facial Tumour Disease on a world stage.
Ambassador devils are from the insurance population which contains genetically over-represented animals not required for breeding.
Currently there are 12 international zoos working to raise awareness of the Tasmanian devil globally.
For more information about the Ambassador program and the work of the Save the Tasmanian Devil program, visit http://www.tassiedevil.com.au/tasdevil.nsf/
Matthew Groom, Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage