A very special day has rolled around for the Australian Reptile Park's beloved Tasmanian devil trio, 'Shaggy,' 'Scooby,' and 'Daphne.' These three mischievous devils are celebrating their first birthday today alongside the zookeeper that hand-raised them last year, Imogen Melder. While birthday cake wasn't on the menu, they were spoiled with presents containing their favourite treats- raw kangaroo meat and hard-boiled eggs!
Imogen Melder, placed the little gifts in front of the trio, and in true mystery-solving fashion, they wasted no time tearing into their presents—just like Scooby and Shaggy would with a Scooby Snack! After devouring their birthday feast (and making quite the mess!), these playful devils curled up with Keeper Imogen, soaking up all the cuddles and scratches they could ever want.
Ms. Melder exclaimed, “I’m so happy to see them enjoying their birthday treats. Watching these three devils grow and develop their own personalities over the past year has been such a rewarding experience. It feels like just yesterday we were introducing them to the Park!”
These lively devils have quickly become favourites among visitors and staff alike. The Park encourages guests to come and learn more about these fascinating creatures and the importance of conservation efforts. This school holiday season, visitors can catch a special presentation at 12:00 PM, where they’ll get an up-close look at Shaggy, Scooby, and Daphne and learn about the crucial work being done to protect their species.
Looking ahead, these Tasmanian devil joeys will play an essential role in conservation. In six months, they will be transferred to the Aussie Ark wildlife sanctuary, where they will join a breeding program dedicated to ensuring the future of their species. There, they’ll serve as ambassadors, helping to spread awareness about the importance of preserving Tasmanian devils and other native wildlife.
Ms. Melder shared, “It’s always bittersweet to say goodbye, but we know they are off to do incredible work for their species. Their journey is just beginning, and we’re proud to have been part of their first year!”
The Australian Reptile Park is committed to protecting Tasmanian devils from the devastating devil facial tumor disease (DFTD), which threatens wild populations. By keeping these joeys in a disease-free environment, they have the best chance to thrive and contribute to the survival of their species.
The Park hopes that Shaggy, Scooby, and Daphne will serve as symbols of hope for Australia's native wildlife. With the country facing alarming rates of mammal extinction, the need for conservation has never been greater. These three adorable devils remind us all of the urgency of protecting and preserving the unique biodiversity of Australia.
