SINGAPORE – Four new Tasmanian devils will now call the Night Safari their home.
Three-year-olds Cogsworth, Lumiere, Scuttle and Cuttlefish joined three others along the Tasmanian Devil Trail, the Mandai Wildlife Group said in a statement on Aug 5.
The newcomers are part of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Programme (STDP) and come from Australian conservation organisation Aussie Ark.
Tasmanian devils, the world’s largest carnivorous marsupials, are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.
Wild populations from the southern Australian island state have been devastated by the spread of devil facial tumour disease – a contagious cancer that threatens the species’ survival.
The newcomers’ move to Singapore is part of a global programme that aims to raise awareness of the species, their plight in the wild and the importance of safeguarding them.
first Tasmanian devils in 2022
under the STDP, which aims to build a healthy, cancer-free population under human care.
The male Tasmanian devils at the Night Safari are housed in one exhibit, while the females will share another. The groups will be rotated regularly between the two exhibits to encourage environmental stimulation.
PHOTO: MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP
“This transfer marks a meaningful step forward in our collaboration with the Save the Tasmanian Devil Programme and Aussie Ark to safeguard this iconic species,” said Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, deputy chief executive of life sciences and operations and chief life sciences officer at Mandai Wildlife Group.
“Beyond strengthening population resilience, we aim to deepen public understanding of why Tasmanian devils matter.”
Tasmanian devils are recognised by their stocky build, black fur and loud vocalisations that likely inspired their name. Despite their fierce appearance, they are shy scavengers and play an important role in keeping their native ecosystems healthy.
Individuals can live up to eight years in captivity, while those in the wild have shorter lifespans, typically up to six years.
The Night Safari’s four newcomers are gradually being introduced to the existing population.
The three males – Cogsworth, Lumiere and Scuttle – are housed together in one exhibit, while the females will share another. The groups will be rotated regularly between the two exhibits to encourage environmental stimulation.
Each appears to exhibit different personality traits.
Cuttlefish, the only female among the group of newcomers, is notably vocal and easily recognised by a white marking near her tail. Like her, Cogsworth, with his all-black coat, is expressive and often first to explore new areas.
Cogsworth exploring his new home at the Night Safari. The Tasmanian devil, with his all-black coat, is said to be expressive and often first to explore new areas.
PHOTO: MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP
Lumiere is quieter and more reserved, with a large white spot near his tail. Scuttle can be recognised by the small white spots on his back and tends to be protective of his personal space, Mandai Wildlife Group said.
Mr Tim Faulkner, managing director of Aussie Ark, hailed its partnership with the Night Safari and STDP, saying: “Establishing genetically diverse populations in well-managed, accredited zoos globally helps safeguard the species and provides a vital safety net against extinction.”
Visitors will be able to see the three new male Tasmanian devils from Aug 5. Meanwhile, Cuttlefish is still adjusting to her new environment, with no estimates as to when she will join the exhibits.
Mandai Wildlife GroupAnimalsAustralia