Working in partnership with the Australian government, the Los Angeles Zoo announced Tuesday it will serve as the home of two male Tasmanian devils for the first time in five years.
The devils, named Danny Zuko and Crush, were born at Aussie Ark, a nonprofit conservation group in New South Wales that manages breeding and rewilding programs for endangered Australian species.
They are now featured in the zoo’s 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,” Candace Sclimenti, curator of mammals for the L.A. Zoo, said in a statement.
“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,” Sclimenti added.
Tasmanian devils are found only in Tasmania, an island state located south of mainland Australia. They inhabit eucalyptus forests, woodlands and coastal scrublands, and often shelter under rocks, in caves, dense brush, burrows or hollow logs.
Though they may look awkward, Tasmanian devils are the island’s top predator, with the strongest bite force relative to body size of any mammal, according to zoo officials.
They also have a sharp sense of smell and excellent hearing, which help them locate live prey and carrion. While they are primarily scavengers, they are capable of hunting small birds and mammals.
Tasmanian devils are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Threats in the wild include human-wildlife conflict, dogs and dingoes, and a rare, contagious illness called Devil Facial Tumor Disease, which affects only their species.