The Paris Zoo in the Jardin des Plantes will soon have new additions—Tasmanian Devils from Australia. By the end of March 2020, the Tasmanian Devils will be on view to the public.
Two males, aged 18 months old, are coming to Paris.
Tasmanian Devils are predominantly nocturnal animals living in burrows, but they are also seen during the day. A large enclosure has been specially built to accommodate the devils – described as animals with ‘black fur, red ears, thick tail, long whiskers, sharp teeth, huge mouth, and shrill cry.’
The enclosure has wooded features, grasses, open areas, shelter, and a water point.
Aude Bourgeois, the veterinarian in charge of welcoming the Tasmanian Devils, is preparing for their arrival. As early as 2016, she attended training at the Copenhagen Zoological Park, which has been hosting Tasmanian Devils for several years and supplying individuals to European parks.
Two other Zoo staff have also been trained, and the rest of the Zoo team has received all the information necessary to take care of the two new residents.
Aude Bourgeois said in a press statement: ‘At first, the Tasmanian Devils may need some time to adapt because they will be flying from the southern hemisphere where it is currently summer. Then we will have to get used to caring for them. We will have to deal with broken teeth because of the strength of their jaws, the sores and frequent injuries that result from the bites between them, especially when they fight over food. The life expectancy of a Tasmanian Devil is about 7-8 years in captivity, but from 4-5 years, these animals naturally develop cancers and exhibit nerve degenerations causing loss of balance. This will require care and attention. But we're ready!’
Despite its protection by law since 1941, its population has been declining rapidly since 1996. They get tumours of the face, transmitted by bites, that has eliminated nearly 80% of the population. No treatment is available and the species is now classified as endangered.
In 2004, a "reserve" population was created from healthy devils in zoos in Tasmania and across Australia. From this reserve, healthy devils are sent as ‘ambassadors’ to America and Europe to contribute to funding research and their care.
It is in this context that the Paris Zoo in the Jardin des Plantes has been selected by the Tasmanian Foundation for the Protection of the Species.
MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of: Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).
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