Orana is one of only a select number of zoos internationally to be part of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program. An offshore population is being established as a backstop should the disease currently affecting wild devils not be contained.
Orana's role is to support the Program through conservation advocacy – educating the public on the plight of these animals. One way Park visitors can directly assist is to purchase Tasmanian devil themed merchandise from our souvenir shop. Proceeds are directed towards further researching the disease that is currently threatening the survival of these endangered marsupials.
In Loving Memory
Our team is celebrating the life of Chester Campbell,
our last Tasmanian devil, who
was humanely euthanised last week due to age-related degenerative health issues.
Chester Campbell had been under the close and attentive care of our animal team who began to notice some declining changes in his health. Despite our efforts, sadly his condition deteriorated and following careful consultation with our veterinary team, we made the incredibly difficult decision to say goodbye. Guided by the Five Domains model of Animal Welfare, the science based framework that underpins animal care in modern zoos worldwide, our focus was always on ensuring Chester Campbell’s comfort and dignity.
Chester Campbell arrived in 2022 from Devils@Cradle as part of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Programme. He quickly became a cherished member of the Orana whānau and played an important role in helping our visitors connect with and learn about this iconic species. At nearly seven years old, he reached an impressive age for a Tasmanian devil, as they are a short-lived species with a lifespan of up to 5 years in the wild and 7 years in human care.
Saying goodbye is never easy and farewelling the last representative is especially heartbreaking. We will continue advocating for this unique species and will work with the Save the Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Programme with the aim of transferring devils in the future.
Our dedicated keepers say it was a privilege to work with Chester Campbell and describe him as being passionate about food, having a distinctive loud snore, loved to sunbathe and say they often found him lying upside down with his feet in the air!
Chester Campbell will be fondly remembered by our team and visitors alike. We are grateful for your compassion and respect as we remember him.
World First!
In 2021 Talei became the first Tasmanian devil in the world to undergo a hip replacement
Read more here:
Christchurch Tasmanian devil shows new lease of life after world-first hip replacement| Stuff.co.nz
World First Hip Replacement for Orana’s Tasmanian Devil | ZAA
