The Australian Reptile Park is looking for help to name its two newest arrivals – twin Tasmanian devil joeys being hand-raised at the Park by keeper Hewin Hochkins.
Born at Aussie Ark as part of the organisation’s insurance population for the endangered Tasmanian devil, the joeys will stay at the Park for the next eight months until they are independent enough to re-join their family at Aussie Ark.
Every person who adopts a Tasmanian devil from Aussie Ark until September 20 will be in the running to not only name the devil joeys but to also meet them at the Park.
“I’m lacking a little sleep at the moment; feeding these guys every few hours is hard work, but I wouldn’t change a thing,” Hochkins said.
“They’re already showing off their personalities and I’m excited to watch them grow.”
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.
“Tasmanian devils are one of the most iconic native species Australia has; they’re feisty, rambunctious and play a critical role in Australian ecosystems,” Aussie Ark President and Australian Reptile Park Director, 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; these youngsters are now a big part of that.”
When returned to Aussie Ark, the brothers will be released into a wild protected sanctuary – the largest of its kind for Tasmanian devils.
To find out more go to aussieark.org.au
Source:
Media release, Aug 18
Australian Reptile Park