Tasmanian devil to be state’s first animal emblem.
THE Tasmanian devil has a new champion — the whole state of Tasmania.
Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Matthew Groom announced the marsupial would become Tasmania’s first animal emblem.
Mr Groom, who first raised the idea of an emblem in 2013, said public submissions had been considered and the devil had received overwhelming support.
“The Government is pleased to confirm that the Tasmanian devil has been officially declared the state’s animal emblem after being proclaimed by Her Excellency the Governor Kate Warner at a special Executive Council meeting held late last week,” Mr Groom said today.
“Declaring a formal animal emblem provides us with an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and promote our unique native fauna, particularly the Tasmanian devil.”
He said the devil was recognised as uniquely Tasmanian and having it as an emblem would promote the state and raise awareness of the devils’ challenges.
The facial tumour disease has slashed numbers, with predictions of extinction.
“Having being declared our animal emblem, the devil will now sit alongside our floral emblem, the Tasmanian blue gum, and our mineral emblem, crocoite.”
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary director Greg Irons said it was “awesome” news and well overdue.
“There’s no negative to this decision. We’ve been the only state without an animal emblem. I think if we want to be the clean, green Tasmania, enticing tourists with wilderness ... it’s crucial we have an emblem,” Mr Irons said.
“Not only is the devil known worldwide, for us to acknowledge its importance can only make us work harder to save them.
“A football team has its colours and logo, states are the same.”
Labor environment spokesman Craig Farrell said: “In Government, Labor invested a lot of time and money to help fight against the devastating facial tumour disease.
“The devil is a Tasmanian icon around the world and it is fitting for it to be recognised in this way.”
Thank you Karen Stotz from Tourism Tasmania for this great article.
