New Tasmanian Devils at the ABQ BioPark
Public can now see two new brothers at the Zoo.
Nov. 7, 2018 - Halloween may be over, but a new devilry - of the Tasmanian kind - has just arrived at the ABQ BioPark. The Zoo welcomed two Tasmanian devils on November 1.
"We are so extremely excited to receive these two young male Tassie devils and are proud to be continuing our partnership with the Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program," said Erin Flynn, ABQ BioPark Mammal Curator.
The year-old male Tasmanian devils, brothers Cola and Schweppes, came from the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE).
Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease is a serious threat to the future of these animals. Some wild populations have decreased by 80 percent since the disease was first observed in 1996.
While scientists search for a cure, zoos and conservation facilities are raising Tasmanian devils in captivity. This healthy, cancer-free population will hopefully lead to a reintroduction program to prevent extinction.
"These two captive-bred brothers are part of a very important Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program to help save their species," said Olivia Barnard, wildlife officer at DPIPWE. "They have traveled all the way from Tasmania and are now settling into their new home here in Albuquerque."
The ABQ BioPark is still home to Poppi, who arrived in 2013. At 8 1/2 years old, Poppi is considered extremely geriatric; the average lifespan of Tasmanian devils in the wild is 4-6 years. Poppi has retired and now lives behind the scenes.
The BioPark is one of only four zoos in the Unites States to house Tasmanian devils.
Media: Members of the media are invited to come to the Tasmanian devil habitat at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 8. The devils will be released into their habitat at that time and Mammal Curator Erin Flynn with be available for interview.