PICTURE AND TEXT BY GEOFF VIVIAN

The escape of three Tasmanian devils from a private zoo near Pinjarra captured our imagination.

Tasmanian devils at Peel Zoo

The idea that they might start breeding was quickly squashed when we found out all three were males. However they were part of a breeding program designed to preserve the species, as a lethal facial cancer is decimating the wild population.

You can find my Inkwire story on the subject here.

Should the Tasmanian devil be re-introduced to mainland Australia, where it has been extinct for 7,000 years? University of Tasmania Devil specialist Dr Menna Jones says it could be done over the next few years, if the money and political will are there.

You can find my Science Network WA story here.