Uniting research and community to save Tasmanian devils
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October, 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on the power of persistence, partnership, and people - like you - who make this work possible.
In this edition of Devils' Advocate, we celebrate a decade of international devil diplomacy with Japan’s Tama Zoo, spotlight the next generation of advocates (including a passionate nine-year-old from Washington), and share exciting new research breakthroughs in the fight against Devil Facial Tumour Disease.
We’re also thrilled to report that nearly 1,000 people have already joined our new Threatened Species campaign - proof that the call to protect Tasmania’s unique wildlife is being heard far and wide.
Thank you for being part of the Tasmanian devil community.
Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal
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Good Eggs Doing Good Things: Pure Foods Eggs Cracks $880K in Donations!
If you’ve picked up eggs in an iconic black carton in Tasmania, you’ve helped protect the island’s most famous resident — the Tasmanian devil.
Pure Foods Eggs donates 20 cents from every carton of their black-cartoned free-range eggs to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal. In the September 2025 quarter alone, shoppers bought 199,455 dozens, raising an impressive $39,891 to support devil conservation.
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This latest donation brings their total contribution to more than $880,000 since the partnership began, funding vital research and fieldwork to combat Devil Facial Tumour Disease and protect devils in the wild.
The eggs come from free-range hens, but it’s the generous spirit behind them that truly shines. We’re incredibly grateful to Pure Foods Eggs - and to every Tasmanian shopper who’s chosen the black carton. Your everyday choice is helping to secure the future of Tasmania’s most iconic species.
Now that’s what we call good eggs doing great things. Thank you, Pure Foods Eggs.
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Field to lab: Genomics and Innovation to Save Tasmania’s Devils
While the original strain (DFT1) has been studied for years, a second strain (DFT2) is now spreading through southern Tasmania, demanding fresh scientific approaches.
Dr Nick Fountain-Jones and PhD student Talia Brav-Cubitt are using advanced DNA sequencing to understand how DFT2 spreads and changes.
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Talia Brav-Cubitt in the lab
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Morgan Humphries in the field
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Their research is revealing how the cancer evolves and evades the immune system - crucial knowledge for protecting devils in the wild.
This lab work relies on field surveys led by Dr Rodrigo Hamede and Morgan Humphries, who track devils, collect tumour samples, and record health data. Their efforts link what’s happening in the bush to what’s happening at the genetic level.
Together, this field-to-lab approach is transforming how scientists monitor and respond to DFTD. And it’s only possible thanks to the support of our devil community.
As Talia says, “Every piece of data helps us build a clearer picture of how to protect these incredible animals.”
This research is making a real difference - but it can’t continue without your help. Every tumour sample, every field survey, every breakthrough brings us closer to saving Tasmania’s devils. Donate now to support work like this.
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Young Advocate, Big Heart: Meet Shoshi from Washington
At just nine years old, Shoshi from Vancouver, Washington, is already making a big impact for Tasmania’s devils.
As she tells it, Shoshi's love for devils began when she was just two years old. “I saw a book at the library called Saving the Tasmanian Devils. It talked a lot about their facial tumours and I wanted to save the Tasmanian devils ever since!”
That early spark has grown into a deep commitment.
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Shoshi recently held a yard sale (or as we call them in Australia, a garage sale) to raise funds for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.
“It was really fun and a lot of people came,” she says. “I did a big poster about Tasmanian devils. I got to teach people facts about the devils and they gave tips!”
With help from her whole family - including her little sister selling lemonade and baked goods, her older sister on the cash register, and her Nana and Grandad putting up signs - Shoshi raised money and awareness in her community.
“I really want to be a part of helping save them,” she says.
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Shoshi’s passion doesn’t stop there. She dreams of one day working with the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal herself. “Eventually I want to take the Tasmanian devils from the field to the vaccination clinic,” she says. “But hopefully they’ll be saved by then!”
Her message to other kids who want to help animals? “Learn more and never give up and you’ll make it!”
With her hamster Hamy, one-eyed cat Alef, and a supportive family behind her, Shoshi is proof that age is no barrier to making a difference.
Thank you Shoshi. You're an inspiration.
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Follow the devil!
Did you know you can follow the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal on Facebook?
We share news, stories from our community, and inspiring updates about the incredible people and passionate researchers working to save this iconic species.
Be part of the journey and join over 7,000 people from around the world who care about the future of the Tasmanian devil.
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Cracking the Code: New Clues in the Fight Against Devil Tumours
Two new studies reveal surprising weaknesses in DFT1 and DFT2 cells, offering fresh hope for vaccine development.
Tasmanian devils are locked in a battle against a contagious cancer that’s unlike anything else in the animal kingdom. Now, researchers have uncovered new insights that could help tip the scales in the devils’ favour.
In collaboration with scientists from the University of Sydney, our team has confirmed that a newly discovered virus can infect and replicate inside cells from Devil Facial Tumour Disease 1 (DFT1) and Devil Facial Tumour Disease 2 (DFT2)1.
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Kathryn Maskell (centre), Assoc. Prof Andy Flies - Principal Research Fellow - Immunology (seated far right)
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Even though the virus was only found in one lab-grown sample and not in any of the 98 devil tissues, it hints that these tumour cells might be easier for viruses to infect than we once thought.
In a separate study led by former honours student Kathryn Maskell2, researchers tested a group of immune proteins to see how they affected tumour cell growth. The results mirrored findings from human cancer research - some proteins sped up tumour growth, while others made the cells more vulnerable to attack by devil immune cells.
Excitingly, a human cancer drug that blocks one of these proteins also slowed the growth of DFT2 cells in the lab.
Together, these discoveries help us pinpoint weaknesses in devil tumour cells - knowledge that’s vital for designing more effective vaccines and treatments.
This research is only possible thanks to the generosity of our Tasmanian devil community – people like you.
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Celebrating 10 Years of Devil Diplomacy: Tama Zoo and Tasmania’s Devil Ambassadors
This year marks a decade of partnership between Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo and the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal, a collaboration that has brought Tasmania’s iconic marsupial - and its conservation story - to audiences around the world.
What began in 2013 as part of the Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program has grown into a strong and enduring relationship. Over the years, several Tasmanian devils have called Tama Zoo home, serving as charismatic ambassadors who have inspired countless photos, social media posts, and conversations about Tasmania’s unique wildlife.
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Tasmanian devil talk at Tama Zoo, 2024
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The arrival of two devils - Miena and Cradle - captured the hearts of Japanese visitors and sparked a decade-long relationship built on education, conservation, and cultural exchange.
Over the years, Tamas Zoo has continued to support the Program’s mission by caring for devils in a purpose-built habitat, sharing their story with millions of visitors, and contributing to global awareness of this uniquely Tasmanian species.
The devils have become charismatic ambassadors, helping people around the world understand the importance of protecting biodiversity and supporting scientific research.
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But Tama Zoo’s commitment goes far beyond hosting these remarkable animals. The zoo and its visitors have actively raised more than $44,000 for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal, directly supporting vital research here at the University of Tasmania. Their generosity has helped advance efforts to combat Devil Facial Tumour Disease and protect the species’ long-term survival.
It's amazing what’s possible when compassion, science, and community come together. Here’s to the next decade of friendship, fundraising, and hope - for the devils, and for all who care about their future.
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Nearly 1,000 voices for the wild: Threatened Species campaign gains momentum
Since launching in April, our Saving Our Threatened Species campaign has inspired nearly 1,000 people to sign up and learn more about the University of Tasmania’s work to protect Tasmania’s most vulnerable wildlife.
From the endangered Maugean skate to the Eastern quoll, our researchers are working across ecosystems to understand, protect and restore species at risk of extinction.
This growing community of supporters is helping shine a light on the urgent need for action - and the research that can make a difference.
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As a small thank you, everyone who signs up receives a free Saving Our Threatened Species sticker as a symbol of their commitment to conservation and a conversation starter about the species (above) we stand to lose.
Haven’t signed up yet?
Join the movement and get your free sticker here. Together, we can protect what makes Tasmania so wild and wonderful.
Left: University of Tasmania student Amy preparing to mail stickers. Thanks Amy!
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Look! Devils!
Together, we’ve come a long way since the discovery of Devil Facial Tumour Disease over 22 years ago. While our iconic, tough, and fascinating devils are still facing challenges, your support gives us hope.
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We’re truly grateful for every single donation from every single one of our incredible supporters. You’re helping to protect a species that means so much to Tasmania - and the world.
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