Help Save the Tasmanian Devil

It was a big vision and large undertaking to turn a privately owned property, previously used for farming into a ‘retirement village’ for the aging Tasmanian Devil populations. In early 2013, with the support of Global Giving donors, Conservation Volunteers Australia and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary set out to make this vision a reality.  

The Tasmanian Devil is somewhat of a national treasure and a local icon.  With the deadly Devil Facial Tumour Disease spreading through the wild population, decimating numbers, it was decided that devils who had contributed to increasing healthy populations through targeted breeding programs in Tasmania needed to be housed in disease-free dwellings.  It was determined that without an enclosure and ‘safe haven’ for these aging devils, the risk of infection was far too great, and so the ‘Taking Care of the Elders’ program began. 

The program has shown remarkable results thanks to your support:

• Teams of volunteers have spent over 80 days on site carrying out projects using the materials your support has  helped to purchase
• 80 post holes have been dug, filled and set 
• Over 600m of rail installed
• 120m of pipeline dug by hand and pipe installed
• 200m2 of earth prepared and sown to grass
• 50 star pickets secured
• Over 600m2 of iron sheeting has been cut to size, secured to rails and painted; and
• Around 40 ‘devilish’ dens built and dug in to provide great habitats for the devils moving in to their new home.

These numbers are reflective of the commitment and effort from the volunteers involved in this project.  Of course, all of this wouldn’t have been possible without the kind donations and sponsorship throughout this program, so a huge thank you for being part of this with us! “We are so proud of what has been achieved through this community partnership. Everyone involved is very much looking forward to seeing the first devil release. This will signal the completion of such a worthy and rewarding program”, said Amy Bailey, the Conservation Volunteers Australia's Regional Manager in Hobart.  

Although this aspect of the project is now successfully completed, we expect to continue our conservation efforts for the Tasmanian Devils with some exciting new plans for 2016 - we'll include details in our next update. The vision and the need for help for these beautiful Australia. animals continues, and we look forward to continuing our efforts with your support. Thank you for your help to date, and for all you have helped to achieve for Tasmanian Devils!

Links:

• Conservation Volunteers Website