Ready for a nap: After working hard to conquer the scales, this Tasmanian devil is taking it easy.
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Being weighed holds no fears for the Kyabram Fauna Park’s Tasmanian devils.
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After six months of training, Polly, 5, and Violet, 4, have become masters of weighing themselves.
Park mammal keeper Tennielle Peterson said tasty treats played a key role.
“We use kangaroo meat for training, which is their favourite, and as they eat, we’re able to check their weight, fur, eyes, ears and overall health,” Ms Peterson said.
“It took a while for Polly and Violet to work up the confidence to stand on the scales, but now they choose to participate almost every time.
“It’s important our devils and all of the animals at Kyabram Fauna Park have complete choice and control in their healthcare.”
The devilish pair can be seen play-fighting, vocalising to each other, basking in the sun and even swimming when the weather is warm.
They also often feed on large carcases — just like their counterparts in the wild.
Ms Peterson said it was fascinating to watch the pair interact with each other in their spacious habitat along the park’s mammal trail.
“Around feeding time, you will hear our devils vocalise as they are communicating with one another in the hierarchy in which they can feed in,” she said.
“Visitors will be able to hear the high-pitched screeching sound and see them running around and play-fighting with each other. They have so much personality and are a joy to watch.”
Looking ahead: Ready for the next adventure.
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The Tasmanian devil is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with a population of about 10,000 remaining in the wild.
A major threat is devil facial tumour disease, a contagious cancer that has reduced sightings of wild devils by 80 per cent since the disease emerged in 1996.
Zoos Victoria is part of the Save the Tasmanian Devil breeding recovery program, which aims to have a disease-free insurance population and ensure a long-term future for this species.
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