Adorable twin Tasmanian devil joeys Itchy and Scratchy are calling the Australian Reptile Park home for now, having been born recently at the Park’s sister organisation, Aussie Ark in the Barrington Tops.
Named after two feisty characters from The Simpsons TV show due to their cheeky personality traits, the joys are being hand raised at the park by Keeper Hewin Hochkins.
“I can’t remember the last time I had a proper night’s sleep, but every minute I get to spend with these two is worth it,” Hochkins said.
“They’re already showing off their cheeky little personalities; I just knew the names Itchy and Scratchy were perfect for them.”
Hand-raising Tasmanian devils is no easy task.
They require round the clock care, warm snuggles and bottle feeds around four to five times a day, including a feed at 4am.
The duo will be hand raised for the next eight months until they are independent enough to re-join their family at Aussie Ark.
“Tasmanian devils are one of the most iconic native species Australia has, and looking at Itchy and Scratchy you can see why they are so loved,” Park Director and President of Aussie Ark, Tim Faulkner, said.
“Ninety per cent of the wild Tasmanian devil population has disappeared due to devil facial tumour disease.
“The Aussie Ark breeding program is creating a long-term future for this species, Itchy and Scratchy are now a big part of that.”
Aussie Ark’s population of Tasmanian devils are free from the devastating devil facial tumour disease that plagues wild populations.
Aussie Ark relies solely on the community to continue its work ensuring a future for threatened native species and symbolic Tasmanian devil adoptions are available on its website’
Source:
Media release, Aug 19
Australian Reptile Park