COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Columbus Zoo welcomed two new Tasmanian devils, a continuation of its conservation efforts to help the endangered species.
Tori and Layna arrived Friday from the Toledo Zoo, although – true to their name – the pair initially hail from Tasmania. At just 1 and 2 years old, the pair are taking their time to adjust to their new space.
According to a Facebook post, the pair will meet one another and grow comfortable before a regular viewing schedule is set. For now, the zoo said the two girls are adjusting with the help of the zoo’s Australia and the Islands team.
The Zoo said the transfer is part of the Save the Tasmanian devil program, an international program by the Tasmanian government to fight the species’ threat of extinction. In the wild, Tasmanian devils face threats like Devil Facial Tumor Disease and roadkill.
The Columbus Zoo last welcomed Tasmanian devils in 2019, when Sprout, Thyme and Mustard arrived in Ohio. Both Sprout and Mustard died in 2022, and Thyme died just this past May at age 5.
