I'm back

[Kira's Mom]

Glad to have you back!

[Temis the Vorta]

I can relate! I've also been making fitful attempts to wean myself off my internet addiction. My presence in a forum I hardly ever visit attests to my vast success in this endeavor.

Screw it, why fight it...

[Rhubarbodendron]

welcome back

[Orac Zen]

I'm glad you're back, Miss C. This place has been much the poorer for a lack of contributions from Hobart. And you'd be one of the very few people here who might fully appreciate my current avatar.

I hope the health crap settles very soon.

[Miss Chicken]

Yes, I love Tassie devils.

14 healthy devils have been sent to Maria Island this week, the first of about 50 destined to be released there (in addition to others that have been held in captivity there since 2005). It is possible that there will transfers to other offshore islands in the future.

Also the authorities concerned are looking at sending devils to zoos in Europe, New Zealand and the USA (there are between 200-300 spaces available). Presently the only Tasmanian Devils outside of Australia are are handful in Copenhagen Zoo.

I also read that, as a result of Devil Facial Tumour Disease, Tasmanian Devils are becoming less aggressive. As the disease is spread as a result of fighting the less aggressive Devils have a better chance of surviving and passing that trait on.

[RJDiogenes]

Welcome back, Miss Chicken. The place isn't the same without you.

I'm sorry to hear about your health issues. Hopefully the docs can take care of that and you can get back to being pain-free and going for walks.

And I think you underestimate your contribution to society. Anybody who does volunteer work has literally made a priceless contribution.

I'm also glad to hear some good news about the Tasmanian Devils.

[Rhubarbodendron]

^^ in a few generations you'll have to rename them to Tasmanian Angels

Do you happen to know where one can apply for getting a few? Our local zoo just got a license to breed Siberian Tigers. They also are one of less than 10 zoos in the world that breed Short Eared Elephant Shrews (the little chaps tend to get a cardiac arrest when under stress, hence only few zoos dare to keep them). They might be interested in getting a license to breed or at least keep Tasmanian Devils, particularly since the only Australian animals they have are Emus and Bennet Wallabies (a Tasmanian subspecies).

[Deranged Nasat]

Rhubarbodendron wrote:

---

^^ in a few generations you'll have to rename them to Tasmanian Angels

I'm imagining some coordinated anti-violence campaign among the devil leaders; "remember, kids - violence leads to cancer!" The pacifist Tassie regime will denounce the feuding of the past as a relic of an unelightened age that nearly brought ruin to their people, and, lo, a golden age of Tassie cooperation will dawn.

[Miss Chicken]

40 devil joeys were born this year at the Devil Ark (Barrington Tops, New South Wales). This brings the amount of devils at the Devil Ark up to more than 100 and they hope to have 360 by 2016.

When the disease dies out on the Tasmanian mainland (either via total extinction of wild devil, or by a cure being found) there is a good chance that many of the healthy devils can be easily released back into the wild here.

[Miss Chicken]

Rhubarbodendron wrote:

---

^^ in a few generations you'll have to rename them to Tasmanian Angels

Do you happen to know where one can apply for getting a few? Our local zoo just got a license to breed Siberian Tigers. They also are one of less than 10 zoos in the world that breed Short Eared Elephant Shrews (the little chaps tend to get a cardiac arrest when under stress, hence only few zoos dare to keep them). They might be interested in getting a license to breed or at least keep Tasmanian Devils, particularly since the only Australian animals they have are Emus and Bennet Wallabies (a Tasmanian subspecies).

Tasmanian Angels LOL.

I imagine, if devils are sent overseas, many zoos will be very eager to get them. Watching them at feeding time is quite amusing (and very noisy).

I have eaten Bennett's Wallabies.

[MHT1138]

Hi Miss Chicken,
I just recently came back myself. I was adjusting to motherhood. I hope you feel better.