Last year, more than two dozen Tasmanian devils were returned to the wilds of mainland Australia, and now the good news of the first offspring born at this refuge is raising hopes for the species in Australia.
The sanctuary, located in Barrington Tops , about 200 km north of Sydney, is designed to protect these animals from foxes and other rival species as well as other dangers such as fire, cars and disease.
Above all, they have placed great emphasis on taking care of their health. Tasmanian devils have been devastated in recent years by a deadly form of cancer called Devil's Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) that has reduced their numbers so dramatically that they are now considered endangered.
This new healthy population had been naturally extinct in Australia for more than 3,000 years, so this is excellent news.
"We have been working tirelessly for the better part of 10 years to return demons to the wilderness of mainland Australia in the hope that they will establish a sustainable population," says Tim Faulkner, President of Aussie Ark.
The births indicate that the program is working well and the organization estimates that 20 pups will be born this year.
A good omen for this endangered species.
