Adelaide Zoo
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Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian Devil

Animal Facts

  • Genus:

    Sarcophilus
  • Species:

    Sarcophilus harrisii
  • Conservation
    Status:

    Endangered

  • Found In:

    Tasmania, Australia
  • Length:

    Body up to 625mm, tail approx. 258mm
  • Weight:

    6-8kg

Meet the feisty devil!

Adelie is Adelaide Zoo’s resident Tasmanian Devil. Rescued in Tasmania in 2018 and transported firstly to Monarto Safari Park, she arrived here at Adelaide in 2023 and can often be seen sniffing her yard in the mornings.

Adelaide Zoo’s sister site, Monarto Safari Park, is home to more than 31 Tassie Devils, which form an important part of the mainland insurance population. They’re also part of a highly successful breeding program, which saw three devils released into the wild of Maria Island in 2013 to establish a wild free range, disease free population.

Tasmanian Devils are Australia’s largest living marsupial carnivore. They were once widespread over mainland Australia, however, the introduction of the dingo is thought to have caused their extinction on the mainland. Today, the Tasmanian Devil is found only on the island state of Tasmania.

Until recently this species was considered common, however, due to the presence of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) there has been a sharp decline in the population. The disease manifests as small lumps near the mouth, which over time grow into large tumours on the face and neck, and occasionally on other parts of the body. DFTD is highly contagious and affected animals appear to die within six months.

Tasmanian Devils are nocturnal creatures and in the wild spend the majority of the day sleeping in a den or dense bush. However, in captivity they have learnt that they face no harm and eagerly come out to be fed during the latter part of the day.

Love Tasmanian Devils? Join the pack and ensure devils survive for generations to come! There are many ways you can help support these darling creatures. 

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