Its official Devil Ark was opened today! We woke up to brilliant blue sky and a still day – what a relief as yesterday was blowing a gale.
 |
| ABC helicopter landing at Devil Ark |
Our opening was a very significant milestone as we reveal the first joeys born at Devil Ark and a four year funding agreement was announced by The Hon. Robyn Parker MP (Member for Maitland, Minister for the Environment and Minister for Heritage).
 |
| The Hon Robyn Parker with devil joey |
 |
| The Hon Robyn Parker cutting the robbon with students from Ellerston Public School |
Cr Lee Watt, Mayor of the Upper Hunter Council also launched our Fences for Devils fundraising campaign (find out more at www.devilark.com.au.
 |
| Upper Hunter Shire Council Mayor, Lee Watt (right) and Australian Reptile Park General Manager Mary Rayner (left) |
 |
Reptile Park General Manager Mary Rayner, John, and Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Lee Watts |
 |
| One of Devil Ark's Joey's "Scooter" |
 |
| The official opening ceremony |
The official opening is the culmination of years of planning and hard work by John Weigel and his team at the Australian Reptile Park. The guys at Devil Ark (Adrian and Tye) have determined that at least eight litters of devils have been produced in this, the first breeding season for the facility, which is a huge boost to the program, and comes as a relief to John, who said “having so many females with young within our first six months of operations is a testament to our free-range 'environmental enclosures' approach. Our emphasis is on maintaining wild-type behaviour by keeping devils in a natural bush setting with appropriate social groups. Everything is a learning experience and Devil Ark is no exception. Fortunately, and to the great excitement of everyone involved in the project, it is already apparent that the Devil Ark model is well and truly on the right track,” said Mr Weigel.
So, if you're looking around for a Christmas present for someone special – well, look no further! 
