Tasmanian devils are iconic Australian marsupials known for their feisty temperament. With their unique appearance and behaviors, it’s no wonder some people dream of having a Tasmanian devil as an exotic pet.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Owning a Tasmanian devil is illegal in most places. Tasmanian devils are classified as endangered and protected in their native Australia.
Some US states allow captive-bred Tasmanian devils, but they are still uncommon pets that require special care and permitting.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about whether it’s possible to own a Tasmanian devil, legal restrictions, care requirements, and more.
Tasmanian Devil Facts and Overview
Native Habitat and Endangered Status
The Tasmanian devil is native only to the Australian island state of Tasmania. Sadly, devil populations have declined dramatically in recent decades due to a contagious facial cancer disease known as Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD). Since 1996, the population has decreased by more than 80%.
The Tasmanian devil is now listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Physical Features and Temperament
Despite their ferocious name, Tasmanian devils are actually no larger than a small dog. They have black fur, a stocky build, and a large head and jaws. Though they may appear cute, devils can be feisty and aggressive when defending territory or food sources.
They make extraordinarily loud screeching vocalizations. Devils are solitary and nocturnal. They spend their nights wandering 9-15 miles in search of food.
Diet and Hunting Behaviors
Tasmanian devils are carnivorous marsupials who eat whatever meat they can find. Carrion makes up over 50% of their diet. They also hunt live prey like insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles and even small wallabies. Devils can take down prey much larger than themselves.
They have extremely strong jaws and sharp teeth that can shear through bone. Tasmanian devils can eat up to 40% of their own body weight in 30 minutes!
Laws and Regulations on Owning Tasmanian Devils
Australia’s Laws
The Tasmanian devil is an iconic marsupial endemic to the Australian island state of Tasmania. However, owing to its endangered status, there are strict regulations around owning Tasmanian devils as pets in Australia.
Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the Tasmanian devil is listed as Endangered and considered a threatened species. This makes it illegal to capture, keep or trade Tasmanian devils without a permit from the relevant state or territory agency.
In Tasmania, it is completely illegal for members of the public to keep Tasmanian devils. Under the Nature Conservation Act 2002, you must obtain a permit from the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service to own one.
Permits are only granted to approved breeding programs or research institutions aiming to support conservation efforts.
Attempting to keep a Tasmanian devil can attract heavy fines up to $13,000 in Tasmania. The only way regular citizens can get up close to Tasmanian devils is by visiting conservation parks and sanctuaries around the state.
United States Laws
In the United States, Tasmanian devils are not protected by the Endangered Species Act. However, ownership is still highly restricted due to concerns around disease control and conservation.
Tasmanian devils can only be imported into the US by approved zoos and research institutions. Private individuals are unable to legally import them as pets. There are also tight restrictions around breeding and transferring captive populations between facilities.
Currently, there are only two US zoos that exhibit Tasmanian devils – San Diego Zoo and Taronga Zoo in Sydney, which loans devils to US zoos. Both populations are part of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, focusing on breeding devils free of the deadly Devil Facial Tumour Disease.
Attempting to smuggle in a Tasmanian devil could lead to federal charges for violating the Lacey Act, carrying fines up to $250,000 and potential jail time.
Other Countries’ Laws
Given their threatened status, most developed countries have banned the private ownership and trade of Tasmanian devils. They can only be kept in accredited zoos and research facilities.
In the United Kingdom, Tasmania devils are listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This prohibits their import and sale except under permit for conservation purposes.
The story is similar in New Zealand and European Union member countries like Germany and France. Tasmanian devils cannot be imported as pets – only sanctioned institutions can obtain permits to house them.
The Tasmanian devil remains widespread in captive populations globally, despite regulations restricting private ownership. According to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, over 600 devils are housed across 52 institutions in 13 countries as of 2020.
Challenges of Keeping Tasmanian Devils as Pets
Housing and Enclosure Requirements
Tasmanian devils are not your average house pet. These feisty marsupials require large, secure outdoor enclosures to accommodate their energetic nature and prevent escape. An enclosure of at least 200 square feet is recommended, with dig guards installed two feet beneath the fencing to prevent burrowing.
The enclosure should include nest boxes, branches for climbing, and plenty of enrichment items to keep your Tasmanian devil mentally stimulated. Providing enough space for your Tasmanian devil to run around is key to keeping them healthy and reducing destructive behaviors.
Dietary Needs
Tasmanian devils are carnivorous scavengers with some unique dietary requirements. In the wild, they consume small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and carrion. Captive devils should be fed a variety of raw meats like beef, chicken, rabbits, rats, and venison.
Quality commercial carnivore diets can also be used to provide balanced nutrition. Feeding schedules are important as Tasmanian devils have a fast metabolism and require multiple small meals per day. Providing the proper nutrition is critical for growth, immune function, and avoiding obesity.
Consult an exotic veterinarian for advice on ideal feeding routines and supplements.
Social and Behavioral Issues
Tasmanian devils are solitary animals that can be aggressive toward other devils. They should never be housed together except for breeding purposes. Even then, extreme caution is required as they may attack and injure each other.
Devils kept alone from a young age typically become quite attached to their owners. However, their energetic, destructive, and dominant personality makes them difficult pets. Loud vocalizations, constant activity at night, furniture destruction, and marking behaviors are common issues.
Extensive training and interactive enrichment is required to manage unwanted behaviors. But even then, Tasmanian devils do best in experienced hands and are not recommended for novice owners.
Permitting and Veterinary Care
Owning a Tasmanian devil has extensive permitting requirements due to their threatened status in the wild. Depending on your location, permits may be required at a federal, state, and local level. Annual fees and inspections are typically involved.
Proof of appropriate housing and a veterinarian experienced with Tasmanian devils are often mandatory. Locating an exotic vet familiar with their care can prove challenging. Vaccinations, parasite control, and nutrition consultations are essential.
Unfortunately, Tasmanian devils also suffer from Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD), a contagious cancer which can spread between captive devils. Intensive screening protocols are necessary. The complex care and permitting make Tasmanian devils unrealistic pets for all but the most dedicated exotic animal lovers.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Captive-Bred Tasmanian Devil
Accredited Zoos and Captive Breeding Facilities
Several accredited zoos and wildlife parks have tasmanian devil captive breeding programs, including the San Diego Zoo, Taronga Zoo in Sydney, and Healesville Sanctuary near Melbourne. These facilities aim to conserve the endangered species, but may rarely have captive-bred pups available for private adoption.
Specialized Tasmanian devil breeding facilities also exist, such as Devil Ark in New South Wales, Australia. They focus on genetic diversity of the captive population. While Devil Ark does not currently have a private adoption program, they may consider approved applications for the right advocate who can provide lifetime care.
Exotic Pet Stores (in permitted areas)
In the few areas where it’s legal to privately own tasmanian devils, like some counties in Nevada, specialty exotic animal stores may offer captive-bred devils for sale. Prices often start around $3000 USD for an adult.
However, wild-caught Tasmanian devils are illegal to import or sell interstate. Only devils from accredited breeders with documented genetics should be considered.
Purchase Considerations and Warnings
While the idea of owning Australia’s iconic marsupial carnivore seems adventurous, buying a Tasmanian devil is a lifetime commitment with ethical considerations around animal welfare and conservation.
As wild populations battle extinction from devil facial tumor disease, reputable zoos and breeding programs are crucial to the species’ survival. Removing devils from these controlled populations endangers genetic diversity, which is key to conservation efforts.
| Avg. Lifespan | 5-8 years in wild, up to 15 years in captivity |
| Average Cost | $3000 USD purchase price; $900+ annual upkeep |
| Caging Requirement | Large, secure outdoor enclosure with digging area |
| Diet | 1/2 to 1 lb meat per day, bones for chewing |
| Temperament | Can be aggressive, especially unneutered males |
| Veterinary Care | Must have access to exotic animal veterinary services |
While Tasmanian devils can make engaging pets for very experienced owners, they have specialized needs around diet, climate control, enclosure size, veterinary care, and handling safety. Impulse purchases often end in surrender or neglect.
Those determined to care for this threatened Australian marsupial should thoroughly research regional regulations and fully prepare for a devil’s demanding lifetime care needs.
Conclusion
Tasmanian devils are exotic animals that require very special care and housing. While it may be possible to own one in some parts of the US with proper permitting, their endangered status means sourcing a Tasmanian devil ethically poses challenges.
For most people, the best way to interact with these unique creatures is to observe and support conservation efforts through zoos or wildlife sanctuaries. With wild Tasmanian devil populations under threat, our focus should be on protecting the species in its native Australia.
