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Welcome to Devils’ Advocate. It’s wonderful to have you with us.
We begin with a heartfelt thank you.
In this edition, we’re celebrating the people in our Tasmanian devil community who are making a real difference.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community and the commitment of donors who care deeply about Tasmanian devils, just over $660,000 has been awarded to support Tasmanian devil research this year, with a range of projects from across the globe supported. This is the most significant amount of donor funds granted, all thanks to the generosity of our devil donors.
We look forward to sharing further details with you when the Grant recipients are officially announced.
In this edition, you will meet some of the people behind this progress: researchers advancing our understanding of devil health and conservation, made possible through generous donations and the ongoing support of a passionate community working together for Tasmania’s iconic species.
Thank you for being part of it. We simply cannot do it without you.
Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal
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A First Paper: saving time and stretching every research dollar
We love sharing good news from the people working every day to protect Tasmanian devils. This is a milestone worth celebrating.
PhD student Prithul Chaturvedi has just published his first scientific paper, opening up exciting new possibilities for field‑based devil research.
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His study explores how small, low‑power “edge devices” can automatically identify Tasmanian devils from camera images, right there in the field, without the need for constant internet access or high‑powered computers.
For researchers working in remote locations, technology needs to be tough, reliable and efficient.
By testing smarter, more adaptable devices, this work helps solve real‑world problems like monitoring devils, identifying individuals, and supporting targeted actions, including future oral vaccine delivery programs.
Prithul with an oral bait
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Walking with Wobbly Boot for Tasmanian devils
In perfect Richmond (Tasmania) weather, Wobbly Boot Vineyard recently hosted its second Wine and Woofs: Save the Tassie Devil Walk bringing together around 50 supporters for a relaxed day in support of Tasmanian devils.
Guests enjoyed a gentle 2km walk, good food and wine, and the flexibility to take part however they wished: walking, listening, or simply showing their support.
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Under the tree - walk participants discuss the devil and working with nature
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Dr Anuk Kruawan from Menzies Institute for Medical Research shared insights into how researchers are developing rapid diagnostic tests for Devil Facial Tumour Disease.
Guests also heard from Paul Williams, owner and operator of Wobbly Boot Vineyard, who spoke about rewilding the property. This has been a 12‑year restoration journey focused on biodiversity and working with nature.
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The vineyard is owned and operated by Paul and his wife Lynda, with enthusiastic assistance from Maeve the dog (left).
Passionate animal lovers, Paul and Lynda have long supported organisations that care for and protect wildlife, making the event a perfect partnership.
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Warm thanks to everyone who attended, and to those who couldn’t make it but donated online.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Paul and Lynda for generously hosting the day and for their ongoing support of Tasmanian devil conservation.
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Meet the Pink Devils
When a group of Year 2 students at Clovelly Public School (NSW) learned that Tasmanian devils need help, they didn’t just feel concerned, they took action.
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Piper, Ocean, Sidney and Peaches, calling themselves the Pink Devils, decided to run a bake sale after learning about devils and their endangered status through books in their school library.
With support from their families, the girls raised an impressive $225 for Tasmanian devil research at the University of Tasmania.
There was no shortage of baked goods (Ocean’s favourite was the gluten‑free brownies), and plenty of enthusiasm on the day.
The girls also sent in a short video capturing the fun and excitement of their bake sale. You can watch it by clicking on the image below.
Sidney summed it up best:
“Saving these cute little fuzzy critters and shouting at people: ‘they’re cute, they’re fuzzy and they’re endangered, MATE!’”
“I was very happy and joyful,” says Piper. “And I’m really hopeful the money will help the Tasmanian devils.”
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Click on the image to watch the video!
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From everyone working to protect Tasmania’s iconic species, thank you to the Pink Devils for your generosity, teamwork and infectious enthusiasm.
You made all of us smile :)
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From Tasmania to the world: thanks to you
In March this year, Tasmania became a focal point for global thinking on wildlife health, with researchers, practitioners and policy leaders coming together to advance the future of Tasmanian devil vaccine research.
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Assoc. Prof. Andy with Pierre-Marie of
Ceva Wildlife Research Fund
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Held from 18–20 March, a dedicated devil vaccine meeting alongside an international immunology conference created a rare opportunity to connect local researchers with leading specialists from around the world.
Led by University of Tasmania's Assoc. Prof. Andy Flies, the meeting helped fast‑track new ideas, address key research gaps, and strengthen links between science and on‑the‑ground conservation.
The conference was opened by Matt Clement, CEO of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (in Tasmania) who spoke about the vital role collaboration plays between researchers, wildlife carers and the broader community.
Participation from University of Tasmania researchers, Biosecurity Tasmania and international experts - alongside support from global partners such as the Ceva Wildlife Research Fund - helped share Tasmania’s devil research through international networks.
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Dancing for Devils: a first fundraiser and a huge success
Sometimes the most powerful conservation moments start with a simple idea and a lot of heart.
On 26 March, the South Dubbo Tavern was transformed into a glittering 90s dance floor as Dancing for Devils brought together music lovers, enthusiastic dancers and conservation supporters - all for Tasmanian devils.
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With a packed dance floor, a generous silent auction and a crowd‑pleasing Nutbush, the night proved some Aussie traditions never go out of style.
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For organiser and zookeeper Kirsty Payne, it was her first large‑scale fundraising event. “I wasn’t sure how it would go,” Kirsty says, “but I couldn’t be happier with the turnout or the amount raised.”
With final ticket sales and raffles being wrapped up, funds raised from Dancing for Devils will soon be supporting Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.
The disco capped off weeks of community fundraising coordinated by Kirsty, including bake sales, sell‑out devil windcheaters and talks with zoo staff and volunteers, all supporting the initiative.
Kirsty and friend
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To Kirsty and everyone who danced, baked, donated, volunteered (and lined up for the Nutbush) thank you. You’ve shown that when communities come together, devils are never dancing alone.
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Ballarat Wildlife Park raises $2,300 for Tasmanian devils
Ballarat Wildlife Park recently hosted a special fundraising day in support of Tasmanian devil conservation — and the response from visitors was outstanding.
Thanks to the generosity of the Park community, the event raised an impressive $2,300, with funds directed toward supporting vital Tasmanian devil research.
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We’re grateful to team for their enthusiasm and commitment, and to everyone who contributed on the day. Community‑led fundraising like this plays an important role in strengthening conservation efforts and supporting the work being done to protect Tasmanian devils now and into the future.
Thank you for helping make a difference.
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Celebrating International Tasmanian Devil Day
International Tasmanian Devil Day is celebrated each year on 1 April - no joke!
The day coincides with the peak of the breeding season, when tiny devil joeys are born. It’s a chance to celebrate one of Tasmania’s most iconic species, while shining a light on the research, care and long‑term commitment helping secure its future.
This year, our community marked the day in creative and generous ways, both online and around Australia. On social media, we invited devil supporters to share photos, drawings, artwork and devil‑inspired creations — and you delivered.
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Our feeds were filled with humour and heart. From creative tributes to personal snapshots, the responses were a wonderful reminder of just how deeply Tasmanian devils are loved.
Thank you to everyone who helped mark International Tasmanian Devil Day and who continue to support and care for these remarkable animals throughout the year.
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Before you go, can help keep this momentum going?
This year, community support and generous donations have helped unlock $660,000 in Tasmanian devil research grants, supporting world‑class research and care for one of Tasmania’s most iconic species. That record achievement is something we’ve built together.
If you’re able to, we invite you to make a donation today. Your support is part of a shared effort — one that turns care into action, curiosity into discovery, and community generosity into real outcomes for Tasmanian devils.
Together, we’re making progress possible.
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