The suitably named “Neville the Devil” and “Dennis The Menace” were relocated from Australia Zoo as part of the “Save The Tasmanian Devil Foundation”, making Rainforestation the only wildlife park north of the Sunshine Coast to house the endangered species.
Wildlife Manager Phil Barber said a specially designed new enclosure was built to accommodate the pair.
“Even though they were born in captivity on the Sunshine Coast and have adapted to a warmer climate than Tasmania, their new habitat has a misting fan and pond for them to splash around in and keep them cool.” he said.
“Rainforestation's Wildlife Park was selected as their new home due to our positioning at a higher altitude, thus providing them with the less humid temperature that they are accustomed to.”
The Tasmanian Devil is Australia's largest carnivorous marsupial, and has become critically endangered due to a contagious Devil facial tumour disease.
“This disease has ravaged the species in Tasmania and has estimated to have almost halved the wild devil population, with over 65 percent of the state affected,” he said.
“The conservation program has rehoused the species in different locations around the country to help build and maintain the population, for both breeding and educational purposes.”
Mr Barber has undertaken a specific registered husbandry course to ensure he is well equipped to deal the needs and wellbeing of the animals.
Rainforestation Nature Park has three unique attractions: Amphibious Army Duck Tours of the rainforest, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and the Koala & Wildlife Park. Rainforestation is situated on the Kennedy Highway, 5 minutes from Kuranda Village, and 30 minutes from Cairns.
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