CCTV cameras have captured the moment a Tasmanian devil named Mary escaped from her enclosure at Paradise Country theme park on Queensland's Gold Coast. The two-year-old marsupial was recorded skulking around the deserted grounds at 4am on Tuesday before scampering out of frame.
Staff discovered Mary missing at about 7.30am, prompting a search involving a dozen wildlife team members and a drone operator with thermal imaging. As of Wednesday afternoon, Mary remained at large. Curator Lauren Mousley said the escape method remains "a bit of mystery," but an abnormally large leap is suspected.
Mousley noted that Mary is typically shy and tends to bunker down when there is movement, making her escape unusual. She warned the public not to approach the devil, as they can be reactive if provoked. Anyone who spots Mary is urged to call Wildcare on 07 5527 2444.
Emeritus Professor Hamish McCallum, a Tasmanian devil facial tumour expert, said Mary could pose a risk to small native animals like possums, as well as stray cats and foxes. However, his main concern is that Mary might be killed by a car or attacked by dogs. He expressed hope she will be found, though survival in the wild would be challenging due to lower mammal density in south-east Queensland.
