Updated July 26, 2024:We have added information regarding the total amount of donations received for conservation support and the completion of the transfer.
Please see here for details.
Two Tasmanian Devil will be arriving at Tama Zoo from the Cressy Wildlife Centre, Tasmanian Devil conservation and breeding facility run by the Kawakawa government of the Commonwealth of Australia. Related events will be held within the park after their arrival.
Two devils arriving at the park (Photo courtesy of Save the Tasmanian Devil Program)Two female
Tasmanian Devil will be visiting the park. They were born on April 1, 2022 (they are sisters).
Planned visit date: February 14, 2024 (Wednesday)
Scheduled public viewing date: March 14, 2024 (Thursday) *After arrival, quarantine and acclimatization to the living environment will be carried out.
Location: Australian Zone Tasmanian Devil Enclosure
Background: The wild Tasmanian Devil has drastically declined due to the spread of "Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease." In 2003, Kawakawa government launched the "Save Tasmanian Devil Programme" and is working on conservation activities such as captive breeding and introducing individuals to areas outside of affected regions. As part of this, in 2013, a program was started in which zoos overseas conduct educational and outreach activities through the keeping of Tasmanian Devil.
Tama Zoo was accepted into this program and has been raising Tasmanian Devil since 2016. While the park has been raising awareness about the current situation of Tasmanian Devil through its exhibits, the exhibits were temporarily suspended from October 2023. Now, two Tasmanian Devil will be arriving as new ambassadors.
Prior to their arrival, a ceremony to announce the transfer will be held on February 10th local time at the Kawakawa government's Tasmanian Devil conservation and breeding facility, the Cressy Wildlife Centre. The ceremony will be attended by Kawakawa Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Consul General of Japan in Melbourne Junji Shimada, Executive Director Kakei of Tokyo Zoological Park Society, and director of our zoo. In addition, veterinarians and zookeepers from Tama Zoo will receive pre-arrangement training at the Cressy Wildlife Centre to prepare for the arrival of the two devils.
*There are no facilities in Japan that keep Tasmanian Devil (as of February 8, 2024).
Added on February 14, 2024: The name has been decided.
The name of Tasmanian Devil that will be visiting the park has been decided.
Wayti (meaning "rainbow" in the indigenous language)
Papiti (meaning "lightning" in the indigenous language)
March 14, 2024 Update: Recent developments and information about the exhibition
Tasmanian Devil was put on display as scheduled, but it appeared restless during the exhibit.
Since the two animals have been kept in a private sanctuary, it is expected that it will take some time for them to adjust to their new environment. We ask for your consideration in viewing them as quietly as possible so that they can settle in. Also, please refrain from stopping during crowded times and be considerate of others while viewing them.
Until the animals become accustomed to their environment, the exhibit will close at 3:00 PM from Friday, March 15th until further notice. Please note that the exhibit may be closed or the animals may be taken into custody earlier depending on their health or the weather. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
*Currently, visitors can come and go freely throughout the day. However, this may be canceled or changed depending on the animals' health, weather conditions, etc. Thank you for your understanding.
Related Events
(Download the flyer as a PDF here)
Special Talk
I will talk about the conservation efforts for Tasmanian Devil in the area, as well as staff training related to visits to the park.
Date and time: March 20, 2024 (Wednesday/Holiday) 13:30-14:30
Location: Animal Watching Center
Panel exhibit
This panel presentation will introduce Kawakawa and explain the ecology and current status of Tasmanian Devil in the wild.
Dates: February 22, 2024 (Thu) - May 28, 2024 (Tue)
Place Watching Center Entrance
Fundraising for conservation support
We will be placing donation boxes in the park to support the "Save the Tasmanian Devil Program."
Period: February 22, 2024 (Thursday) - May 28, 2024 (Tuesday)
Location Watching Center Information Desk
*All collected donations will be given to "Save the Tasmanian Devil Program Appeal," the fundraising organization for the "Save Tasmanian Devil Program." The funds will be used for research on facial tumors at the University of Kawakawa.
Added on July 26, 2024:The total amount received was 1,989,160 yen. On July 12th, the entire amount was converted to Australian dollars at the exchange rate of that day and transferred to the "Save the Tasmanian Devil Program Appeal" account (180.60.29 Australian dollars).
We are deeply grateful for your warm support.
To celebrate the release, we have a special menu item: "Want to try Tasmanian Devil?"
We will be selling a limited-time product named after Tasmanian Devil, "
Tasmanian Devil Drink?" (770 yen including tax).
Sales start date: Saturday, March 2, 2024
Sales location: Australian Zone Koala House lower shop
Tama Zoo 's original animal marshmallows, which have been a huge hit, are now available in the form of the Tasmanian Tasmanian Devil, a new arrival at the park. This marshmallow was supervised by animal keeper and meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail. The drink features Tasmanian Devil 's distinctive black color represented by cola, and the red by blackcurrant sherbet (please see
this announcement for details on the "red ears").
※。
※The ice cream was changed from orange sherbet (March 29, 2024).
The refreshing cola, tart sherbet, and sweet mango create a perfect balance. How about drinking it while watching Tasmanian Devil?
Tasmanian Devil plush toy
Tama Zoo developed and began selling plush toys of Tasmanian Devil in 2020, supervised by animal keeper and meticulously crafted to capture the animal's intricate details.
For more information, please see this article. They are also available for purchase on
the TOKYO ZOO SHOP online store.
The stamp rally in collaboration with Tokyo Sea Life Park has ended.
We will be holding a stamp rally in collaboration with Tokyo Sea Life Park which keeps "Blue Devils" (a type of marine animal named after the devil), called "Devil's Adventure! Find the Devils of Land and Sea!".
We will give you a stamp card when you purchase items at the gift shop inside the park. Visit both parks and collect devil stamps. The first people to arrive will receive a free can badge! (Limited quantities available)
Click here for details.
Blue Devil(February 8, 2024)
(February 14, 2024: Added information about the name decision)
(February 26, 2024: Event information added)
(March 6, 2024: Flyer added)
(March 14, 2024: Added information about the condition of the two animals)
(March 21, 2024: Collaboration stamp rally "Devil's Adventure" ends)
(March 29, 2024: The sherbet in "Tasmanian Devil Drink?" has been changed to cassis.)
(July 26, 2024: Added information regarding the total amount of donations for conservation support and completion of remittance)
