Missing Tasmanian Devil Rescued in Australia After 15 Days on the Run
A missing Tasmanian devil named Mary has been rescued in unstable condition after 15 days in the Australian bush. The two-year-old marsupial, which escaped from a Gold Coast wildlife park, is now receiving urgent veterinary care after a massive search operation by wildlife experts.
Highlights
- •A missing Tasmanian devil named Mary was located after spending 15 days in the wild.
- •The animal was found in an unstable condition near Paradise Country park in Queensland.
- •A specialized search team utilized thermal-imaging drones and a sniffer dog to find the creature.
- •Tasmanian devils are an endangered species that has been extinct on the Australian mainland for 3,000 years.
A missing Tasmanian devil named Mary has finally been located in an unstable condition following a tense 15-day search. The escapee, who had vanished from her enclosure at the Paradise Country park on the Gold Coast of Queensland, was discovered by rescue teams late Tuesday evening. This Tasmanian devil recovery effort involved a comprehensive search operation covering the surrounding bushland.
The Search and Rescue Operation
The two-year-old marsupial, known for being notably shy, was found less than two kilometres from her home at the wildlife park. Upon her discovery, it was immediately apparent that the animal was in a fragile state. Consequently, the team performed an urgent assessment and rushed the Tasmanian devil to a specialist veterinary hospital. Medical staff there worked quickly to stabilize her health.
The successful recovery of the creature was the result of a coordinated mission. A team consisting of a dozen wildlife specialists, supported by a specialized sniffer dog and thermal-imaging drone technology, had been scouring the area since her disappearance on June 2. The initial breakout had been partially documented by CCTV security footage, which provided vital clues for the search teams.
Understanding the Tasmanian Devil
Wildlife officials believe that Mary likely escaped by performing an abnormally large leap, a surprising physical feat for the young marsupial. While these carnivorous animals are famously agile and capable of roaming up to 16 kilometres in a single night, their presence on the Australian mainland is rare. In fact, these unique creatures have been considered extinct in the wild on the mainland for over 3,000 years.
Although they remain widespread on the island state of Tasmania, the species is currently classified as endangered. They face significant ecological pressures, most notably the threat of Devil Facial Tumour Disease, a transmissible form of cancer. In natural conditions, these animals can live up to six years, with adult males reaching weights of up to 14 kilograms and standing 30 centimetres tall at the shoulder. Following her ordeal, Mary is currently being kept in the hospital for ongoing diagnostic testing to ensure she makes a full recovery from her two-week adventure in the wild.
