Tasmanian devils bound for US zoos as part of ambassador program

It's part of an ambassador program to raise awareness about the plight of the species — in places where many people know the Tassie devil is a cartoon character, but not a real animal.They will be spread across four zoos, and will begin settling into their new homes after an isolation period.

"We could not be happier and we are honoured to be able to take these animals back to the United States," Mr Frushour, a curator of birds and mammals at Toledo Zoo in Ohio, said.Specially designed crates will allow the zookeepers to feed and water them throughout the flight. Toledo Zoo currently has two seven-year-old devils, Spiderman and Bubbles, who Mr Frushour said are "superstars"."It's one of the most tenacious endearing charismatic animals you can ever imagine, and they're adorable — people love devils," he said.The other devils will head to Columbus Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo and Fort Wayne Zoo — which all have facilities and climates deemed suitable for the devil.

David Shaap, coordinator of the Tasmanian devil ambassador program, said it was important to spread awareness about the disease. The devils at the research facility in Cressy are all tumour-free and undergo a strict quarantine process when they arrive.Mr Shaap said talks were underway to next send devils to Prague, Auckland and the west coast of the United States.

It's hard, long and sometimes stinky work, but this marathon effort may have found hope for Tasmanian devilsMatildas name first Olympic team without Sam Kerr in 20 years ahead of next month's Paris GamesMurder charge laid after young surfer found stabbed in beachside car parkDNA of 'unknown' person found under murdered woman's fingernails, court hears

Endangered Species Save The Tassie Devil Cressy Conservation Toledo Zoo Ohio Toledo Captivity Breeding Program Usa David Shaap

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