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‘Shocking’ footage shows severely emaciated juvenile Tasmanian devil

Heartbreaking footage of a visibly sick Tasmanian devil proves the animals plight is falling on “deaf ears” according to locals who say citizens are stepping up to pick up the pieces. Watch here >>

Shocking footage of a severely emaciated Tassie devil

Locals have been left reeling over the response to an emaciated juvenile Tasmanian devil with a suspected case of severe devil facial tumour disease caught on film in the North West.

The shocking footage taken from a farm at Table Cape was shared by Lara Hardy on Thursday who said there was a lack of wildlife carers in the region meaning the sick devil was still roaming the area.

Mrs Hardy said concern about the plight of Tasmanian devils was falling on “deaf ears”.

“We’ve got this new football team called the Tasmanian devils but this is their reality.

“They are promoting our state using these animals but they’re just in crisis and no one seems to be doing anything about it.

“It’s left to members of the public just doing what they can,” she said.

Mrs Hardy’s husband Adam runs Raptor Care North West and she has seen responsibility for protecting and rehabilitating wildlife fall into the hands of citizens due to government inaction.

Shocking footage of a devil with what appears to be a severe case of devil facial tumour disease at a farm at Table Cape. Picture: Facebook
Shocking footage of a devil with what appears to be a severe case of devil facial tumour disease at a farm at Table Cape. Picture: Facebook
Stills from shocking footage of a devil with what appears to be a severe case of devil facial tumour disease at a farm at Table Cape. Picture: Facebook
Stills from shocking footage of a devil with what appears to be a severe case of devil facial tumour disease at a farm at Table Cape. Picture: Facebook

Mrs Hardy was shocked to find out that the Tasmanian government Save the Devil program was no longer concerned with the welfare of devils, as she was directed to contact Bonorong who she says have limited carers in her area.

Environment minister Madeline Ogilvie said she was deeply concerned for the welfare of the emaciated devil and was advised that wildlife officers were working with locals to locate the devil and transport it to a vet.

She directed people who spot a sick or injured devil to contact Bonorong on 0447 264 625.

Raptor Care North West is a non-profit wildlife organisation that rescues and rehabilitates Tasmanian birds of prey in the North West, including the wedge-tailed eagle.

“I’ve watched Adam do rescue work for a long time and he’s very good and thorough but we have received no government assistance over the last 15-20 years, we rely completely on public donations,” Mrs Hardy said.

Shocking footage of a devil with what appears to be a severe case of devil facial tumour disease at a farm at Table Cape. Picture: Facebook/Table House Farm
Shocking footage of a devil with what appears to be a severe case of devil facial tumour disease at a farm at Table Cape. Picture: Facebook/Table House Farm

She drew a parallel between the heartbreaking footage of the sick devil and the footage of the last thylacine in captivity.

A department of natural resources and environment spokesperson said NRE Tas was aware and responding to an animal welfare report regarding a devil on the northwest coast.

“As part of the response, wildlife officers are collaborating with the local community to locate and trap the devil to transport it to a veterinarian,” the spokesperson said.

“From the available photos and videos, this devil appears to have severe DFTD; emaciation and fur loss can be associated with severe disease.”

elise.kaine@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/shocking-footage-shows-severely-emaciated-juvenile-tasmanian-devil/news-story/03c06b62f831c5d3069532b2a6b5cf25