TOLEDO, Ohio — Eight Tasmanian devils have been transported to the Toledo Zoo from Tasmania in hopes of helping save the endangered species.
In 2003, the Tasmanian government created the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program to address the species' declining numbers due to Devil Facial Tumor Disease, a fatal cancer. In the program, the Tasmanian government has accepted donations for research, aimed to reduce roadkill and collaborated with zoos to grow the population.
The journey to Toledo for the eight animals transported has been documented by the Toledo Zoo on YouTube, check it out here. The film highlights not only the transport, but also the efforts made by the Toledo Zoo to help save the Tasmanian devils since 2017.
Michael Frushour, general curator of endotherms at Toledo Zoo, has played a big part and has been passionate about saving the Tasmanian devils.
"This will not only enhance the genetic diversity of the captive population but also raise awareness about the plight of these incredible animals," Frushour said.
Two of the animals will be a part of the Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program at the zoo. This program is meant to inform visitors about Tasmanian devils and the challenges they face.
The Toledo Zoo plans to continue to work with the Tasmanian government to support the conservation of Tasmanian devils around the world.
For more information, visit ToledoZoo.org
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