Posted 28 Aug 2009

Zoos across New Zealand are applying to import up to 20 Tasmanian devils in a bid to offer more variety to visitors, holidaymakers and those taking a gap year in New Zealand.

The applications are also being made to help protect the animals from a facial tumour disease, as the creatures New Zealand may be taking under its wing will be free from signs of the condition, reports ABC.

This will help to grow their numbers away while removing them from risk, according to Simon Eyre of Wellington Zoo.

He told the news provider: "As we all know, the Tasmanian devil doesn’t have long left in the in the wild unless we can do things to help them."

As well as these unusual creatures, another thing that may draw gap year travellers to New Zealand is the Winter Games, according to the country’s tourist board, which will take place every four years in future.

Category: Australasia