SYDNEY, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- With just 15,000 left in the wild, the well-being of every Tasmanian Devil is vital to the long-term survival of the unique and beloved species. That's why staff at the Australian Reptile Park, 75km north of Sydney, have been up all night hand-feeding the zoo's latest and cutest attraction.
Dubbed "Devil's Daycare', wildlife officers at the sanctuary have been taking care of eight adorable baby joeys who require food four times per day, including a late-night snack at 2am.
"There's nothing more special than looking after and hand raising Tasmanian Devil joeys," one of the new mothers, wildlife officer Erica Johnstone, said on Tuesday.
"They're arguably one of Australia's most precious, endangered species and it feels amazing to help them grow up happy and healthy."
"I do miss being able to sleep through the night, but I wouldn't have it any other way when I see those little faces looking up at me!"
Hit hard by a transmissible disease called Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), the harrowing condition reduced the entire population of the carnivorous marsupial by around 95 percent during the 1990's.
With no cure or vaccine in sight and population numbers continuing to decline, the success of breeding programs at conservation sanctuaries like the Australian Reptile Park, has become critical to the future survival of the Tasmanian devil.
In order to highlight the current situation, staff at the Australian Reptile Park hope that each joey will act as an ambassador for the species, helping to raise awareness so that in years to come the iconic species can one again thrive in the wild.
