Pictured - Tammika McIvor (left) and Annalise Blanck with Phoenix 

6 December 2009 

Baby Tassie Devil Name Revealed

The winning name from Healesville Sanctuary's Tassie Devil naming competition has been announced - with the keepers deciding on the name ‘Phoenix'.

Over 540 entries were received through the Leader Newspapers network, including names focusing on the species' Tasmanian heritage, such as Blossom, Apple, Van Dieman, Tasman, Truganini and Abel.  

However, Devil Keepers chose Kylie Bailey as the winner who suggested the name Phoenix "as a tribute to the Black Saturday fires and an inspiration to all people affected by them in the area."

Phoenix is part of the important breeding program at Healesville Sanctuary, being one of the 28 Tassie Devil babies born this year. She will help save the iconic species from the threat of extinction.

Tasmanian Devils are under threat with the emergence of Facial Tumour Disease, which is ravaging their wild population. Last year their conservation status was upgraded to Endangered, as they face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

Healesville Sanctuary is working with other zoos to establish an insurance population that will hopefully secure a future for the iconic Tasmanian Devil.

As the winner of the competition, Kylie will receive the keys to a Suzuki Grand Vitara for the weekend to travel to Healesville in style to meet the newly named Phoenix. She also receives an overnight accommodation package at Balgownie Estate in the beautiful Yarra Valley.

Suzuki Australia has been supporting Healesville Sanctuary's Tasmanian Devil breeding program since 2007. This partnership aims to help raise awareness of the issue facing Tasmanian Devils, and funds to support Healesville Sanctuary's efforts to conserve these beautiful animals.

Thank you to everyone who entered the competition.