a devil of a time

yesterday we took a trip up to the mountain to see the snow. minor complications led us to stop briefly at the devils sanctuary and so we decided to enjoy an afternoon visit with tasmanias largest marsupial.
the tasmanian devil....
we had quite a nice time getting to know these noisy fellas up close and personal.
look, jack even got to give one a pat.
he doesn't quite look it, but i believe he was thrilled.
tasmanian devils are currently on the critical endangered species list, as their survival rate has been threatened due to a cancerous facial tumor disease which has already wiped out 80% in the wild.
visiting places like this wildlife park and getting to know little friends like these guys is important.
i got a bit choked up actually, when i touched him and realized in ten years time they might not be around.

for more information on these fascinating creatures from tasmania, or to donate, or to learn more about the sanctuary up on cradle mountain, please visit  http://www.devilsatcradle.com/.
{this was a big mama with a little one in her backward pouch, so cool.}