B-ROLL:
https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/cVRTZvUJJv
INTERVIEW WITH KELLY DAVIS:
https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/JDU6ZHqRmv
VIDEO:
https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/5jgLQEwPl3
DEVILS FLY IN FROM AROUND OZ!
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History made as three Tasmanian Devils jet-set into Aussie Ark
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One Devil from Tasmania, one from South Australia, one from Victoria
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Males add “fresh blood” to the famous Devil breeding program
History is made yet again at the famous Devil breeding program at Aussie Ark!
Three adult male Tasmanian Devils have flown in from different parts of Australia to bring “fresh blood” to the Barrington Tops’ facility and join Aussie Ark’s breeding program.
Most notably, adult male Winston has made the journey from Tasmania thanks to a unique collaboration with the Tasmanian Government. With Tasmania the birth-place and strong-hold for this iconic species, Winston’s arrival caused special excitement for the Aussie Ark staff.
Flying in on the same day was Cria from Monarto Safari Park in South Australia, and Lucas from Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria.
Winston took 13 hours to arrive at the Ark travelling from Hobart to Sydney with Qantas Airlines, while Cria and Lucas were flown in style thanks to Virgin Australia.
The three males were then transported from Sydney Airport to the Barrington Tops by Brett Headley of Ceva Logistics in a customised air-conditioned van. Ceva Logistics is specially licensed to freight exotic animals, ensuring health and welfare during transport.
The final step in the journey was collection of the three crates at Moonan Flats – at the base of the mountain leading up to the facility – by Aussie Ark Curator Kelly Davis. Ms Davis then drove the Devils the remaining 45 minutes up to the Ark.
"It was so exciting to receive these Devils,” Ms Kelly said. “They didn’t fly First Class but they were treated like true VIPs every step of the way!”
The three males were given rigorous health upon arrival at the Ark, to make sure they were in good condition after their long journey. Health-checking Winston was a career highlight for Ms Kelly who described Winston as “our Tasmanian Super Star”.
"After their health check the three Devils were housed in separate intensive enclosures for a two week quarantine period,” Ms Kelly explained. “We checked them constantly, monitoring them for any possibility of ill health or disease.”
After this quarantine period Winston, Cria and Lucas were released into large environmental enclosures. Each enclosure contains four males and four females all genetically suitable to breed with the new males and provide future Devil joeys.
"The receipt of these three Devils is huge for Aussie Ark and also the conservation of this species,” Ms Kelly said. “It brings new genetics, new bloodlines, into our population so we can create a really robust insurance population. Thank you to Winston, Cria and Lucas for making the long journey!”
Aussie Ark supports the largest population of Tasmanian Devils on mainland Australia. The introduction of these three new males is strategically timed to bolster the species’ 2023 breeding season, which begins in early autumn.
"It’s really exciting to know that some of the Tasmanian Devil joey born in this year’s breeding season will come from these three males,” Ms Kelly said.
"Especially the ones that call Winston Dad, who will have fresh Tasmanian blood in their veins.”
Aussie Ark would like to thank their partners Glencore, WIRES, Rewild, Wild Ark and the Australian Reptile Park for supporting their Tasmanian Devil program, as well as their community of donors and supporters.
To support this globally significant work ensuring the survival of the Tasmanian Devil, please donate now at aussieark.org.au.
About Aussie Ark
As a not-for-profit organisation, Aussie Ark raises the necessary funds to continue its ambitious vision. Investment allows for the construction of captive facilities and predator proof fencing on semi-wild parcels of land. Aussie Ark is a registered environmental organisation and charitable institution under the Australian Charity and Not-for-Profit Commission. Aussie Ark has deductible gift recipient status (DGR status) and is registered for GST purposes. More information at www.aussieark.org.au
Media enquiries:
Aussie Ark
Toni Houston
toni@aussieark.org.au
0447 530 202
+ 61 (02) 4326 5333
