Night Safari has just added four new residents to its Tasmanian Devil Trail: three males and one female Tasmanian devil from Australia’s leading conservation organisation, Aussie Ark. Meet Cogsworth, Lumière, Scuttle, and Cuttlefish, the latest additions to Singapore’s wildlife park, here as part of a global ambassador programme to raise awareness for this endangered species.
These three-year-old devils have joined three existing residents at Night Safari, forming part of the international insurance population under the Save the Tasmanian Devil Programme (STDP), a critical effort led by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania to safeguard the species from extinction. Wild Tasmanian devils have been ravaged by devil facial tumour disease, a contagious cancer that continues to threaten their survival.
Found only in Tasmania, Australia, the Tasmanian devil is the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial. Despite their fearsome name and vocal growls, they are shy scavengers that play a vital role in their native ecosystem. Recognised by their black fur, stocky frame, and bold personalities, each new arrival has already made a strong impression on the Night Safari team.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Each exhibit features a climate-controlled indoor habitat, expansive outdoor areas with rock formations, sheltered dens and a pool.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
- Cuttlefish, the only female, is highly vocal and sports a white marking near her tail.
- Cogsworth, with an all-black coat, is confident and curious often the first to explore.
- Lumière is the quietest of the bunch, marked by a large white spot near his tail.
- Scuttle, a bit territorial, has distinctive small white spots on his back.
The trio of males, named after beloved Disney characters, will be housed together, while the females will share another exhibit. Both groups will rotate between two enclosures to encourage stimulation and exploration. Animal Care staff are overseeing their gradual introductions to ensure smooth social integration.
A team from Night Safari, including Razak Jaffar, Assistant Curator, Animal Care (Operations), Mandai Wildlife Group (left) and Alif Bin Mohd Ghazali, Keeper, Animal Care (Operations), Mandai Wildlife Group (right), received the animals.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Like most other new animal arrivals, the Tasmanian devils completed a mandatory 30-day quarantine to ensure their health and wellbeing before moving to their facility at Night Safari.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Photo credit: Aussie Ark
This new chapter continues Night Safari’s involvement with the STDP, which began in 2022. Since then, the team has worked closely with Australian partners and enhanced its expertise in devil care through field training and collaboration.
Beyond the devils, the Tasmanian Devil Trail features other fascinating Australasian species, including the elusive kiwi, sugar glider, and woylie. Starting 8 August, guests can also enjoy Hello from the Wild: Wallaby, an up-close experience where you can feed red-necked wallabies and learn about their care directly from their keepers.
