Latest news with #AnimalsofAustralia
Los Angeles Times
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Tasmanian devils arrive at L.A. Zoo: Danny Zuko and Crush have ferocious bite, bad table manners
The Los Angeles Zoo has Tasmanian devils again for the first time in five years, zoo officials announced Tuesday. Two male devils — named Danny Zuko and Crush — arrived earlier this month thanks to the Australian government, according to a zoo news release. They're available for viewing at the Animals of Australia exhibit. 'The L.A. Zoo has a long history of caring for this species and we are thrilled to once again have the opportunity to share them with our guests,' said Candace Sclimenti, curator of mammals for the L.A. Zoo, in the release. 'Australia is home to so many unique species and wildlife plays a pivotal role in Australian culture.' The devils were born at Aussie Ark, a conservation organization in New South Wales, according to the release. Devils are indigenous only to Tasmania, an island south of mainland Australia. They are Tasmania's top predator and have the strongest bite relative to body size compared to any other mammal. Tasmanian devils have 'noisy, dramatic feeding frenzies filled with growls and screeches' when they gather around a carcass, zoo officials said. They're classified as 'endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. They're threatened by conflict with humans, dogs and dingoes and a disease called Devil Facial Tumor Disease that only affects the species.
CBS News
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Los Angeles Zoo welcomes new Tasmanian devils from Australia
The Los Angeles Zoo has welcomed two new Tasmanian devils to the family this month. The zoo said for the first time in five years, they have welcomed the "wildly popular" animal from Australia. Tasmanian devils named Danny Zuko and Crush arrived at the LA Zoo through a partnership with the Australian government. According to the LA Zoo, the devils were born at Aussie Ark, which is a not-for-profit conservation organization in New South Wales. The organization manages breeding and rewilding programs for some of Australia's endangered species. "The L.A. Zoo has a long history of caring for this species and we are thrilled to once again have the opportunity to share them with our guests," said Candace Sclimenti, Curator of Mammals, L.A. Zoo. Tasmanian devils are indigenous only to Tasmania, the zoo said. They are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. They tend to live in eucalyptus forests, woodlands and coastal scrublands, finding shelter in caves, bushes and hollow logs. They are active animals with a strong sense of smell and hearing, as well as a strong bite force. While they mostly live in solitude, they tend to gather around a carcass to feed, the LA Zoo said. The LA Zoo said the new animals are now available for public viewing in the Animals of Australia exhibit.
