New Species Now Available for Viewing at L.A. Zoo’s ‘Animals of Australia’
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LOS ANGELES, CA – July 29, 2025 – For the first time in five years, the Los Angeles Zoo is once again home to wildly popular Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii)! Working in partnership with the Australian government, the Zoo received the two male devils this month, named Danny Zuko and Crush, and they are now available for public viewing in 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, L.A. Zoo. “Australia is home to so many unique species and wildlife plays a pivotal role in Australian culture. We are honored to provide an experience that will help people better understand these wonderful animals and the challenges they face in the wild. It will be exciting to see our guests connect with this endangered species.”
The devils, both male, were born at Aussie Ark, a not-for-profit conservation organization in New South Wales that manages breeding and rewilding programs for some of Australia’s most iconic and endangered species, like the Tasmanian devil, eastern quoll, and long-nosed potoroo.
Tasmanian devils are indigenous only to Tasmania, an island state of Australia located just south of the mainland. A typical devil habitat includes eucalyptus forests, woodlands, and coastal scrublands. They find shelter under stones, in caves, bushes, burrows, or hollow logs. With their stout build and oversized heads, Tasmanian devils might appear clumsy at first glance, but these marsupials reign as Tasmania’s top predator and have the strongest bite force relative to body size of any mammal. They are naturally curious and surprisingly active. Guided by sharp senses of smell and hearing, they track down both live prey and carrion. Though they are primarily scavengers, they are also capable hunters of small birds and mammals.
While mostly solitary, devils will gather around a carcass, often leading to noisy, dramatic feeding frenzies filled with growls and screeches. These intense gorge sessions let them consume a hefty amount of food at once. Like many scavenger species, devils play a vital role in keeping their ecosystem healthy.
Tasmanian devils are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Threats include human-wildlife conflict, conflicts with dogs and dingos, and a rare disease known as Devil Facial Tumor Disease that only affects Tasmanian devils.
Guests can view the two Tasmanian devils at the ‘Animals of Australia’ habitat, weather permitting.
CONTACT: Carl Myers/(323) 644-4273; lazoo.press@lacity.org