U.S & New Zealand zoos to receive Tasmanian devils

I'm not sure this style of exhibit would be acceptable in an American zoo...

The basic exhibit is fine, but maybe behind a big glass window, to eliminate any potential contact.

 

You forgot the large can of Foster's.

 

And there was me thinking a New Zealander might be in danger of flattering Australia....

 

That's pretty much what the new San Diego Zoo exhibit looks like.

 

Really? So someone could just stick their hand or small child in and then sue the zoo for millions that easily?

 

No, I meant that it is like the basic exhibit that Patrick posted the picture of, fronted by glass as you suggested.

This is the potential tazzy exhibit (picture by Otter Lord): http://www.zoochat.com/39/australian-outback-southern-hairy-nosed-wombat-322608/

 

Oh right, that looks good.

 

Rule of thumb- a native species' exhibit in its own(or a nearby) country is usually fairly basic. But the same species sent overseas, especially if rarely seen outside its country of origin, acquires an elevated 'exotic' status and often a much more upmarket exhibit.

 

Here is a New Zealand-based article on the import of Tasmanian Devils to the country - the zoos likely involved have indeed been identified as Auckalnd, Wellington And Orana, and it says that if import regualtions are organised quickly the Devils (groups of four for each zoo) could be in the country by the end of this year.

The further implication of this is that if 12 go to NZ, then ~8 would go to the US, presumably two more groups of four, to make up the "about 20" total.

Story here: Wellington Zoo In Line To Get Four Devilish 'Ambassadors'... | Stuff.co.nz

 

According to a source the Columbus Zoo has made multiple past attempts at obtaining Tasmanian Devils from Australia and are no doubt going to be involved in a future US devil program.Whether or not they are the other confirmed zoo along with SDZ remains unclear, but is unlikely.Also whether or not they would be housed in the Road House or not is also not clear.Keep in mind Columbus has a ton of resources and would not necessarily have to house them in the Road House.My source also mentioned Albuquerque as a possibility given that they were rumored in the past to obtain them.Also the Columbus Zoo does not intend to to obtain more Tiger Quolls right now.

Team Tapir223

 

It's happening - San Diego will be the first collection to receive the Devils in October. Following them (not necessarily in order) will be Auckland, Wellington, Orana Park and Albuquerque Biopark in New Mexico

Tassie devils bound for San Diego  | Mudgee Guardian

 

Oh of course, Albuquerque, why didn't we guess that earlier???

 

It was mentioned by someone earlier and they have had a purpose built exhibit for quite a few years... Snowleopard and AD have both mentioned it in the past.

 

Can these Devils that are in captivity be prevented from getting the Facial Tumour Disease- either by some form of treatment, or using a strain in which its not present?

 

As yet there is no way to vaccinate the devils from the disease. The captive population was all healthy animals though. They were taken out and then qurantined heavily on the mainland to make sure they didn't have the disease. As yet the population has had no outbreaks of the tumour disease.

 

On the flip side, i do hope that the Australians will be receiving something in return.

 

3.1 Devils arrived safely in San Diego earlier this week