26/09/2025
— VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED —
*** Image contains graphic wildlife injury***
There is no denying that this image is extremely hard to look at, it’s horrific, confronting and upsetting.
This however is reality for a huge number of wild Tasmanian Devils in Australia.
This is Devil Facial Tumour Disease and it has been smashing wild devils for roughly 30 years.
I think this image is an important educational image, yes it evokes feelings of grief and despair however this has indirectly been caused by us, the human species.
Previously the Tasmanian devil has been culled in huge numbers in Tasmania resulting in a very shallow gene pool in wild populations. This lack of genetic diversity allowed a freak cancerous mutation to quickly take hold and spread throughout wild devil populations throughout the island state.
Extensive work is being done by incredible organisations who have established a strong genetic bank in captivity while also heavily researching possible cures.
If you are moved by this image, perhaps consider supporting organisations who are doing great things to save this iconic species.
Check out the following organisations and if you are in a position to do so, please consider a donation towards the important work being done.
Devils at Cradle Aussie Ark Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary
