Tasmanian Devil Joeys Ace their Health Check at Monarto Safari Park

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: August 14, 2020 12:40 pm

Two of the Tasmanian Devils during their health check

Photo Credit: Monarto Safari Park

Four Tasmanian Devil joeys have aced their health check at Monarto Safari Park in Australia.

Vet nurses Di and Morgan gave a clean bill health to the little ones they were weighed, sexed and had a physical and dental exam. They were also given a microchip to help keep track of them in to the future.

The joeys are 4 months old having been born in March this year. Their mother is known as Thumbelina.

A keeper holds a Tasmanian Devil joey during their health check

Photo Credit: Monarto Safari Park

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At the check the smallest joey weighed in at 367g (12.9oz) and the largest weighed 402g (14oz).

Their keeper, Simon Dower said, “Even though these joeys look small now, they’re actually not much bigger than a grain of rice when they’re born and stay inside mum’s pouch until they’re around four months old.”

“It’s around this age, 4 months, that we’ll start to see them venture out of the den and sometimes ride around on their mum’s back which is lovely to see. The health checks also give the team a chance to confirm the sex of the joeys.”

Tasmanian Devils are threatened by the a contagious cancer which has significantly reduced their population. They are only found on the island of Tasmania. These joeys will play an important role in the recovery of the species.

“We’re delighted to announce that Thumbelina’s litter is made up of two boys and two girls, all of whom will provide valuable genetics for our regional breeding program working to save the species,” finished Simon.

A keeper holds a Tasmanian Devil joey during their health check

Photo Credit: Monarto Safari Park

Monarto Safari Park work with the Save the Tasmanaian Devil program who run the breeding and release program for the Tasmanian devil.

This program has already seen disease free devils released to Maria island off the coast of Tasmania including some born at Monarto.

These four joeys are not the only ones born at Monarto this season. Mums Violet and Xena also gave birth to 7 joeys between them. They will receive their health checks in the coming weeks.

Learn more about the Tasmanian Devil – Tasmanian Devil Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Monarto Safari Park on their website – Monarto Safari Park