Two Tasmanian Devils are setting off for a new home at the Tama Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, as our new special ambassadors to this significant trading partner.
Premier and Minister for Trade, Jeremy Rockliff, said Tasmanian Devils had become an important part of our international relationship-building efforts through the Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program.
"We were extremely pleased to welcome Mr Junji Shimada, Consul General of Japan, Mr Hirofumi Watabe, Director of Tama Zoological Park and Mr Sunao Kakehi, Executive Director of the Tokyo Zoological Park Society to the Cressy Wildlife Facility for the hand-over of the two Devils," Premier Rockliff said.
"This marks the poignant farewell of these two Tasmanian Devils, siblings named Wayti and Papiti to, as they embark on their journey to Tama Zoo.
"We are very pleased that Tama Zoo has been part of the Tasmanian Devil Captive Insurance Program through the Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program which was initiated in 2013," he said.
Mr Hirofumi Watabe Director of Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo said: "It was predicted that the species would be extinct within 10 years in 2008. And though the situation is still unpredictable, it plateaus now, due to all the efforts of conservationists with the cooperation of the people of Tasmania. I, personally, believe the future of the devils is looking significantly brighter."
He went on to say: "I firmly believe in the power of collaboration, in this case between wildlife researchers and zoo professionals. It is through collective effort and dedication that we can truly make a meaningful impact. The efforts in Tasmania for the devil serve as a tremendous inspiration for our own endeavours. I am confident we can build upon this foundation that was laid by the passionate community in Tasmania to further promote awareness and conservation activities."
Japan is a priority market for comprehensive engagement under the Tasmanian Trade Strategy 2019-2025, and it consistently ranks among the top five export destinations for Tasmanian goods.
Premier Rockliff said the transfer followed the highly successful March 2023 Tasmanian trade mission to Japan.
"These two Tasmanian Devils were offered as part of our ongoing friendship and strong bilateral ties with Japan – it is a small part of Tasmania in Tokyo.
"The transfer of Wayti and Papiti to Tama Zoo symbolises our shared commitment to conservation and wildlife protection and reflects our dedication to fostering enduring international partnerships," Premier Rockliff said.
Consul General Shimada replied: "It has taken only one year from when the Premier committed to bringing the Devils to Tokyo whilst on mission and he has delivered. He will be remembered as the Premier of Tasmania that brought Tasmania Devils to Japan – you have become very famous because of this. This exchange is indicative of the strong relationship between Japan and Tasmania just like with Trade and Investment and we look forward to your return visit."
