Two Tasmanian devils are about to fly to their new home at Tama Zoo in Tokyo - and the search is on to give them names.
Originally from Devils@Cradle in Tasmania's Central Highlands, the two male devils are currently in quarantine at the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program facilities in Cressy and are getting ready for their journey to Japan early next month.
Minister for Environment and Parks Elise Archer has been given the privilege to name the two devils and would like suggestions from the public to help name them.
“The Tasmanian Devil is a unique animal to our State, and has been officially recognised as our faunal emblem,” Ms Archer said.
“These new devils will join others in the purpose-built devil enclosure at Japan's Tama Zoo that is helping to raise international awareness of the devil and its fight against the deadly Devil Facial Tumour Disease.
“The ongoing partnership with the Zoo is also providing for the long-term sustainability of the Tasmanian Devil, while securing its continual survival into the future.
“I encourage everyone to put their thinking hats on and come up with some interesting names for these two devils, and I look forward to seeing the responses!”
STDP Program Manager Dr David Pemberton said while the devils are both one and a half years old, they each have their own distinct temperament.
"One of the boys is quite dominant and confident while the other is more quiet and relaxed," Dr Pemberton said.
"It would be great if the devils could receive names that perfectly fit their unique personalities."
Traditionally, devils are named by keepers and staff at the various captive insurance population institutions where they are bred.
Each devil also has a stud number and other official identification.
The Tama Zoological Park is part of the Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program (TDAP). In June 2016, two devils Maydena and Murdunna (both female) were transferred from Tasmania to Tokyo as part of the Ambassador Devil Initiative.
TDAP was initiated in 2013 and developed in close consultation with the Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association.
Ambassador devils are from the insurance population which contains genetically over-represented animals not required for breeding.
Currently there are Ambassador zoos in the USA, Europe, Japan and New Zealand working to raise awareness of the Tasmanian Devil globally.
Name suggestions, along with photos of the two devils, can be found on Minister Archer's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/elise.n.archer/