After ten days the Devil Ark 'pioneer' devils have well and truly settled in, with regular detection from camera traps throughout the facility, including feeding stations.

(The day after!)

The following URLs provide media coverage from the big day. We are extremely grateful for the continuing support and interest of the national, state and local media.

http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/01/21/dollars-needed-to-save-tassie-devils/

http://www.sconeadvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/devils-released-at-tomalla/2052628.aspx

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/nsw-breeding-progam-plans-to-halt-tassie-devil-extinction/story-e6freuzr-1225891417327

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw-act/having-a-devil-of-a-time-saving-the-endangered/story-e6freuzi-1225990594451

http://ten.com.au/video-player.htm?movideo_p=40983&movideo_m=87892

http://video.news.com.au/1749699643/Saving-the-Tassie-Devil

‘D’ Day (Devil Day) has arrived!

An important milestone for Devil Ark - and indeed Australian wildlife conservation in general was achieved today with the release of the first 30 ‘founder’ Tasmanian devils into their new homes at Barrington Tops. This was not an official ‘opening’ for the Ark (that is still coming), but it certainly was a red-letter date, marking the material conversion of a big and radical idea into an operational and practical solution to the challenge of averting the extinction of the Tasmanian devil. The event provided an opportunity for many of the special people and organisations who have contributed to the success of the program to participate in the fun part – the introduction of the devils into the first six Devil Ark enclosures. This proved to be a highly inspirational and emotion-charged experience for most – and an unforgettable experience for all. About half of the devils had flown in from the quarantine facilities of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program in Tasmania, the other coming from the much closer facilities of the Australian Reptile Park, being second and third generation progeny of the highly successful ‘intensive’ breeding facility.



Tim Faulkner and Obi Gabriel (background) release two of the Tasmanian devils for the benefit of attending media. The two devils pictured are only 21 months old, and have another year of growth and development before breeding is likely.



It's been a long road for Tim Faulkner, General Curator of the Australian Reptile Park and recognised mainland authority on Tassie devil breeding. Tim and his young family have resided at the adjacent residence during the entire Phase 1 construction period, and will continue on until the Devil Ark team is confident about the processes involved in maintaining and breeding the all-important first-wave of founder animals for the project.




A big day for a lot of Devil Ark contributors. Left to right: John Weigel from Australian Reptile Park; Lee Watts - Mayor of Upper Hunter Shire Council; Liz Gabriel from Australian Reptile Park with 'Scratchy'; Cheryl Hill, Michael Willson and Chris Chapman from Foundation for Australia's Most Endangered Species (FAME).  All have done great work, though we expect a bit more dedicated effort from Scratchy, from this point onwards.


Now begins the next stage of the project, the development of a fundraising campaign to enable the continued development of this important project.



Devil Ark Ambassadors

As the construction of Stage 1 of Devil Ark heats up, we are very pleased to acknowledge the support and leadership of our first four ‘Ambassadors’ – all well-known and respected Australians who have taken up a genuine interest in contributing to the survival of the Tasmanian devil. From surfing legend Mark Richards, footy star Greg Florimo, Australia’s favourite Cricket icon Max Walker, and Adam Harvey - the modern face of Australian country music , these men have joined ‘Team Devil’, will be working with us in the coming weeks and months in the development of a fundraising campaign that is essential for the further development of Devil Ark in the years – and possibly decades, ahead.

“Many people across the planet are saddened by the pending disappearance of the Tasmanian Devil. Now another symbolic Tasmanian species is on the precipice of being wiped out… what a pity that would be. The Tasmanian Devil exudes so much of the fighting spirit displayed by many two legged Tasmanians.  Please support the creative mass of like-minded people to ensure the Tassie Devil continues to thrive and bear up to its name in defiance.  Please, give generously and support Devil Ark today.” - Max Walker

“The Tassie Devil is a unique part of our heritage and an iconic Australian animal. It is a tragedy that they are now endangered. We owe it to future generations to do all in our power to save the Tassie Devil from extinction.  Please support this worthwhile project.”  -  Mark Richards

“I am very honoured to be a part of this worthwhile project, and consider the conservation of the iconic Tasmanian devil an important message for future generations. The significance of this initiative should not be underestimated, and I'm certain all Australians will support Devil Ark.”  - Greg Florimo

“Its so sad to think that these wonderful little animals could face possible extinction, which is why I think its so important to get behind Devil Ark and support the important work they are doing.”   - Adam Harvey

 

 

Stage 1 of Devil Ark comprises a tiny portion of the beautiful 500ha site. It is estimated that by the year 2016 there will be 360 Tasmanian devils contained in family groups held in 3-5bha enclosures, and by 2020, additional lands may be required as we edge towards the 1,000 devil mark.

Amazing what we can do with a bit of dry weather. Starting to see completion of large stretches of perimeter fencing as well as free-range enclosure fencing (within the confines of the ‘Stage 1’ fenced compound), which is very heartening.

We are delighted to announce that the overarching ‘Save the Tasmanian Devil Program’ (STDP) has awarded a conservation grant in the amount of $350,000 to the Devil Ark project. We are extremely grateful and humbled by the contribution which we learned about on 29 October. It provides important recognition of Devil Ark in the combined efforts to avert the extinction of the Tasmanian Devil.  The announcement of the awarding of the grant to Devil Ark was issued as a joint press release by the Honourable Tony Burke Australian Government Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and communities; and the Honourable David O’Byrne, Tasmanian Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage. The grant is particularly heartening as it follows a string of unsuccessful requests for assistance from a range of mainland government agencies. As Devil Ark transforms from a ‘good idea’ to one of the most important conservation breeding projects in the country, it is hoped that both the State (NSW) and Federal governments will directly provide some level of support for the project.