Discover the Wild Side of Tassie Without Getting Whirled by a Spinning Tornado
Tasmanian devils, the iconic marsupials of Tasmania, are known for their ferocious demeanor, powerful jaws, and distinctive black fur. While these nocturnal creatures can be challenging to spot in the wild, there are several places where visitors can get up close and personal with Tasmanian devils in captivity.
From wildlife sanctuaries to nature parks, numerous locations around Tasmania allow you to see these fascinating animals in a safe and controlled environment.
This information will explore some of the best places to see Tasmanian devils and learn about conservation efforts to protect this unique species.
Some of the best places to visit Tasmanian devils include:
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located just outside of Hobart and is home to several Tasmanian devils that have been rescued and rehabilitated. Visitors can see the devils up close and learn about conservation efforts to save the species.
- Tasmanian Devil Unzoo: This unique wildlife park is located on the Tasman Peninsula and offers visitors the chance to see Tasmanian devils, as well as other native animals, in a natural setting. The park focuses on conservation and education.
- Devil’s@Cradle: This wildlife sanctuary is located near Cradle Mountain and is dedicated to conserving Tasmanian devils. Visitors can see the devils up close and learn about the sanctuary’s breeding program.
- East Coast Natureworld: This wildlife park is located on the east coast of Tasmania and is home to several Tasmanian devils and other native animals. Visitors can see the devils up close and learn about conservation efforts to save the species.
- Zoodoo Wildlife Park: This wildlife park is located just outside of Hobart and is home to several Tasmanian devils and other native animals. Visitors can see the devils up close and learn about conservation efforts to save the species.
TIP: It’s important to note that Tasmanian devils are a threatened species, and it’s important to support conservation efforts to protect them in the wild.
 Here are some things you might not know about the Tasmanian devil:
- They have the strongest bite relative to their body size of any mammal – their bite can generate a force of up to 553 newtons, equivalent to a small alligator’s bite force.
- They have a keen sense of smell and can detect the scent of a dead animal from up to 1.6 kilometers away.
- Tasmanian devils are known for their eerie vocalizations, which include screams, growls, and hisses. They make these sounds to communicate with each other, establish territory, and signal aggression.
- They have a unique reproductive strategy called embryonic diapause, which allows them to time the birth of their young with optimal environmental conditions. Females can conceive up to four months before giving birth, but the embryo doesn’t develop until a few weeks before the mother gives birth.
- Tasmanian devils have been around for a long time: – fossil evidence shows they have lived in Australia for at least 25 million years. However, the population has declined drastically in recent years due to a contagious facial cancer that has decimated the population.
Did you know?
Tasmanian devils are a unique and iconic species with a long history in Tasmania, Australia. The species is believed to have originated on the Australian mainland around 25 million years ago, and fossils of the Tasmanian devil have been found dating back to the Pleistocene era.
A little history:
The indigenous people of Tasmania, the Palawa, deeply respected the Tasmanian devil and believed they were powerful and dangerous spirits. European settlers, but, viewed the animals as pests and hunted them relentlessly, leading to a decline in the population.
In the 20th century, the Tasmanian devil became the subject of conservation efforts, with the establishment of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries dedicated to their protection.
However, the population faced a new threat in the 1990s when a contagious facial tumor disease emerged, causing widespread population declines.
Despite these challenges, conservation efforts continue to protect the Tasmanian devil, with initiatives focused on disease management, breeding programs, and habitat restoration.
The Tasmanian devil remains integral to Tasmania’s cultural heritage and a symbol of the island’s unique biodiversity.
