Tasmanian Devils Roar into LA Zoo After 5-Year Absence

In a move that has delighted zoo-goers, the Los Angeles Zoo has welcomed two new Tasmanian devils to its collection. The duo, named Danny Zuko and Crush, were bred by Aussie Ark, a New South Wales conservation organization dedicated to preserving Australia's threatened species. Their arrival at the LA Zoo marks the first time in 5 years that the zoo has housed these unique marsupials.

Candace Sclimenti, the Curator of Mammals at the LA Zoo, expressed the zoo's excitement about the new residents. "Australia is home to so many unique species, and wildlife plays a pivotal role in Australian culture. We are honored to provide an experience that will help people better understand these wonderful animals and the challenges they face in the wild."

Indeed, Tasmanian devils have a complicated history. Once viewed as pests that raided poultry flocks, they were subject to bounties in the 1830s. However, these concerns proved largely unfounded, as devils are primarily scavengers that help clean up carcasses and control blowfly populations. Thanks to conservation efforts, their populations have slowly been reintroduced into the wild after facing the devastating threat of Devil Facial Tumor Disease in the 1990s.

With the arrival of Danny Zuko and Crush, the LA Zoo aims to educate visitors about these fascinating creatures and the importance of their conservation. As Sclimenti noted, "It will be exciting to see our guests connect with this endangered species."