Beanie Kids Help The Tasmanian Devil
Beanie Kids love animals, especially our native Aussie animals! So when we hear that one of our Aussie animal friends is in trouble we want to do anything we can to help out.
The Tasmanian Devil Crisis
Tasmanian devils are facing extinction in the wild. This unique Australian species is listed as endangered on Tasmania's Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 and recently has been given the same classification on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Read More»
The reason for this listing is due to a cancer that spreads like a contagious disease (one of three in the world) that is killing Tasmanian devils in the wild at an alarming rate. It is called the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) and according to experts could wipe out Tasmanian devils within 10 to 20 years if nothing is done to stop it.
Under normal circumstances cancer cannot be 'caught', however DFTD is the exception to this rule making the research and science into finding a cure incredibly difficult. DFTD is highly contagious and is spread when a diseased devil bites a healthy devil.
But there is hope. Of the numerous organisations striving to save the Tasmanian devil from a fate like that of the extinct Tasmanian tiger (which was last sighted in the wild in 1933), Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors is helping to raise funds for the conservation of this fascinating species.
In 2008, the charity gave funds to a pilot project called the Devil Island Project to help establish a disease-free insurance population, and will continue to provide financial support to help fund research for a cure and establishing insurance populations.
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, together with major sponsor Australia Zoo, also participates in Black and White Day celebrated annually on 16th May. Black and White Day was founded by Tasmanian youngster Nature Nic to help raise awareness and funds for the plight of the Tasmanian devil.
The current status of Tasmanian devils in the wild reflects the need to do everything in our power to save this iconic species from extinction. Your donation will help us save the Tasmanian devil.
For more information and to donate, please visit www.wildlifewarriors.org.au
What Beanie Kids Are Doing to Help!
Tasmanian Devil Poster Competition
To raise awareness of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease, Beanie Kids are running the Tasmanian Devil Poster Competition during June & July 2009. Click the button below to read more or enter.
Beanie Kids Donation
Skansen also donated over 100 Tas the Tassie Devil Beanie Kids to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors for their charity event A Night in Black and White held on Saturday 2nd May.
