Check out Australia Zoo’s Tasmanian Devil!

Don’t miss the devilishly cute residents here at Australia Zoo! Our Tasmanian devils can be found basking in the sun and exploring their home, all day long. These adorable carnivores are one of the many pouched mammals that are true-blue, uniquely Australian.

Tasmanian devils were once widespread over mainland Australia. Likely due to the introduction of the dingo, they are now confined only to the forests and woodlands of Tasmania. This solitary marsupial is nocturnal and usually spotted hunting at night. Although fierce and powerful, they prefer to be an opportunistic hunter, feeding mainly on carrion.

They can travel great distances every day; up to 16 kilometres (10 miles) in search of food.  Standing approximately 30 centimetres (1 foot) tall and weighing up to 14 kilograms (30 pounds), they have the most powerful bite of any Australian mammal! The Tassie devil can crush and digest hair, organs, muscles and even bones. Strewth!

The existence of the Tasmanian devil is threatened by car strikes and Devil Facial Tumour Disease. This disease causes contagious, cancerous tumours around their face, neck and mouth. The disease develops rapidly and is fatal. Tasmanian devils are currently listed as an endangered species and are the subject of various research projects – all in the hope of saving the species from certain extinction.

Here at Australia Zoo, we are home to a small population of Tasmanian devils. They play an important role as ambassadors for their wild counterparts and potentially saving the species from certain extinction!