Tasmanian devils are severely threatened by a contagious cancer called devil facial tumor disease (DFTD).  Since the disease was discovered in 1996, the population of the devils has declined by 80%. The cancer is spread when they bite each other, as they do during both mating and fighting. The facial tumors that grow prevent the Tasmanian devils from eating.

Under the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, cancer-free devils are moved to remote locations to protect them from infection. We support the Program by funding veterinary services to care for the devils, and to conduct health checks of pre-release animals. The devils in our care are part of a DFTD-free assurance colony to help secure the species from extinction.