Fort Wayne Zoo Houses Rare Tasmanian Devils in U.S.

Rare and Endangered: The Tasmanian Devils at Fort Wayne Zoo

Tasmanian devils are one of the most unique and fascinating animals in the world, but they are also critically endangered. While it's rare to see them even in zoos, the Fort Wayne Zoo is home to two of these remarkable creatures. Their names are Arya Stark and Valentina, and they have captured the attention of visitors with their striking appearances and intriguing behaviors.

Arya Stark, a four-year-old female, has a distinctive white stripe across her shoulders and is otherwise black. Valentina, who is three years old, has a large white spot on her chest, as well as white markings on the sides of her shoulders and a white spot on her backside. Both were named in Tasmania before arriving at the Fort Wayne Zoo, where they now reside.

These two females are part of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, which was established in 2003, and the Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program, launched in 2013 by the Australian government and the Australian Zoo Aquarium Association. These programs aim to raise awareness about the challenges facing the species and promote conservation efforts.

The Fort Wayne Zoo has a long history with Tasmanian devils, dating back more than 20 years. From 1987 to 2004, the zoo housed 12 Tasmanian devils, making it one of the most significant locations for the species outside of Australia. In 2004, Coolah, the only Tasmanian devil living outside of Australia at the time, passed away at the age of seven. His death was widely reported and highlighted the importance of preserving this species.

Tasmanian devils have a relatively short lifespan of five to eight years. In the wild, their population is declining due to a deadly disease known as Devil Facial Tumor Disease, a contagious cancer that causes tumors to grow on their faces and eventually leads to their death. While efforts are being made in Tasmania to combat this disease, the ambassador program plays a crucial role in educating people around the world about the need for conservation.

Mills, an animal care specialist at the Fort Wayne Zoo, explains that many people associate Tasmanian devils with the Looney Tunes cartoons, which do not accurately represent the real animals. "Now we get to show the public what these incredible animals are like and how we can help them," she said.

Tasmanian devils are known for their red ears, which glow in certain lighting, giving them a devilish appearance. They also emit a piercing scream and are primarily carrion feeders, similar to vultures. Their powerful bite allows them to crush bones, except for the kangaroo pubic bone and adult kangaroo femur.

Nocturnal by nature, Tasmanian devils are often seen napping or sunbathing during the day at the zoo. Despite their reputation, they thrive in warm environments, which is why they enjoy the heat.

One of the most surprising facts about Tasmanian devils is that they face a major challenge right after birth. As marsupials, they give birth to up to 40 babies, but only three to four can survive due to limited resources in their pouches. Breeding currently occurs only in Tasmania, and while Arya Stark and Valentina are not part of a species survival plan, they still provide entertainment for zoo visitors.

At the zoo, the devils engage in playful activities such as running, digging, and climbing. The staff provides enrichment opportunities, such as tying bones to structures or placing them in tubes so the animals must work to retrieve them. These activities keep the devils active and engaged.

Despite the challenges they face in the wild, the presence of Tasmanian devils at the Fort Wayne Zoo serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and the need to protect these extraordinary animals. Through education and awareness, the zoo hopes to inspire people to support efforts that ensure the survival of the Tasmanian devil for future generations.