6 November 2009 

Help Us Name Our Babies and Win!

Healesville Sanctuary is celebrating the birth of 27 bouncing baby Tassie Devils as part of its important breeding program to help save the iconic species from the threat of extinction.

As part of the celebration, there is an exclusive chance to help name one of the babies  and win a weekend  getaway package including a special meet and greet with the newly named youngster.

Proudly supported by Suzuki Australia and Leader Newspapers, the winner will also receive the keys to a Grand Vitara for the weekend to travel to Healesville in style, along with an overnight accommodation package at Balgownie Estate in the beautiful Yarra Valley.

Tasmanian Devils are under threat with the emergence of Facial Tumour Disease, which is ravaging their wild population. Last year their conservation status was upgraded to Endangered, as they face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

So the time to act is now! Healesville Sanctuary has answered the call, and is working with other zoos to establish an insurance population that will hopefully secure a future for the iconic Tasmanian Devil.

Tiffany Eastley has been working with the Tassie Devils at Healesville Sanctuary for 11 years and said this year's breeding success has been overwhelming and the keeping staff are already starting to see little personalities emerging.

"We're really starting to see some personality traits developing already - some are cheeky and adventurous and some are a lot shyer."

"We do public talks everyday where we mainly try to dispel the myths about them being ferocious creatures to be afraid of. There is a gentle and timid side to them and so much we don't know about their species. They really are an intriguing animal," she said.

The competition closes at 5pm on Wednesday 25^th November, with the winner announced on Monday 30^th November. For your chance to win, go to http://www.leadernews.com.au/