Two New Bundles of Joy at Aussie Ark

AUSSIE Ark Conservation Organisation have welcomed two new Tasmanian devil joeys today, Itchy and Scratchy.

The two joeys were named after characters from the Simpsons show and will be hand raised by Keeper Hewin Hochkins for the next eight months, as part of Aussie Ark’s insurance population for Tasmanian devils.

“I can’t remember the last time I had a proper night’s sleep, but every minute I get to spend with these two is worth it,” Mr Hochkins said.

Aussie Ark reported that the tiny devils are already showing cheeky personality traits. Photo by Aussie Ark.

“They’re already showing off their cheeky little personalities, I just knew the names Itchy and Scratchy were perfect for them,” he said.

Itchy and Scratchy will receive around the clock care, with bottle feeds up to five times a day and plenty of warm snuggles, before they rejoin their family at the Aussie Ark protected sanctuary.

For now, they are residing at the Australian Reptile Park with Director Tim Faulkner, who said they are ambassadors for their species. 

“Ninety percent9 of the wild Tasmanian devil population has disappeared due to devil facial tumour disease,” Mr Faulkner said.

“The Aussie Ark breeding program is creating a long-term future for this species, Itchy and Scratchy are now a big part of that,” he said.

Aussie Ark relies solely on the community to continue its work and ensure a future for threatened native species. Photo by Aussie Ark.

“Tasmanian devils are one of the most iconic native species Australia has, and looking at Itchy and Scratchy you can see why they are so loved,” he said.

Symbolic Tasmanian devil adoptions are available from Aussie Ark’s website, with every adoption helping secure a future for this iconic Aussie species.