The devils arrived from Monarto Safari Park in South Australia, where they were bred as part of the Tasmanian devil insurance population, which aims to protect healthy populations of the species in zoos throughout Australia.
The devils will take up residence in the recently-renovated Tasmanian devil precinct where guests will be able to see them, alongside Echi, the short-beaked echidna, and Lance, the lace monitor, who have been eagerly awaiting their new neighbours.
Up until 2016, Kyabram Fauna Park was home to the species and general manager Lachlan Gordon said the return of devils followed the park’s recent awarding of Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasian Accreditation.
“Up until 2016, Tasmanian devils were one of the park’s visitors’ and keepers’ favourite animals,” he said.
“The Kyabram Fauna Park Committee, management team, staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to return this species to the park, and we are very excited that day has finally arrived.
“Tasmanian devils are managed under a program through ZAA, we have been working behind the scenes to become a member of this internationally recognised zoological representative body, which we received this week.
“We have no doubt Polly and Violet will make themselves right at home, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to come and meet them.”
While it might look cute, the Tasmanian devil is the largest living carnivorous marsupial in the world, but is also listed as an endangered animal.
Mr Gordon said zoos were trying to save the species.
“Populations in the wild are threatened by a facial tumour disease so we hope to partner with the other zoological institutions across Australia to contribute to the national breeding program to in turn save this iconic Australian species from extinction,” he said.
Renovations to the park’s Tasmanian devil precinct were funded by Victorian Government Economic Stimulus Funding, to promote regional Victoria’s economic recovery from the coronavirus emergency, and were managed by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
While the devils are settling in, plans are under way to incorporate them into the park’s education program and other experiences such as the Zookeeper for a Day program and Creatures of the Night tour, which will be running during the coming school holidays.
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