Legal Status and Permit Requirements
Tasmanian devils are classified as exotic wildlife and are illegal to own as pets in most U.S. states without a special permit. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulates interstate commerce under the Endangered Species Act, and private ownership typically requires a wildlife exhibitor or educational facility license. The Tasmanian government strictly controls export permits for wild-caught animals, and only a handful of accredited zoos and conservation programs hold them legally. For the latest federal rules, check the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website here.
In Australia, Tasmania's Nature Conservation Act 2002 prohibits private ownership of Tasmanian devils without a permit, and all captive-bred exports must meet strict health and welfare standards. The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, managed by the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, oversees insurance populations and maintains a studbook. The program's official page provides current guidelines on permit applications and approved facilities here.
Costs, Housing, and Daily Care
Initial Purchase and Setup Costs
Acquiring a Tasmanian devil through a licensed zoo or conservation program can cost between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on age, lineage, and permit fees. Initial enclosure setup, including a secure outdoor habitat with temperature control, burrowing substrates, and enrichment structures, typically adds $3,000 to $8,000. Ongoing expenses for specialized carnivore diet, veterinary care, and insurance often exceed $2,000 per year.
Diet and Nutrition Requirements
Tasmanian devils are obligate carnivores and require a diet of whole prey, muscle meat, and organ meats to meet their high protein and calcium needs. In managed care, accredited facilities feed a controlled diet of rats, rabbits, and specially formulated carnivore pellets to prevent nutritional deficiencies. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums publishes detailed husbandry guidelines for Tasmanian devils, which are available on the AZA website here.
Health Risks and Conservation Context
Devil Facial Tumor Disease and Health Monitoring
Devil Facial Tumor Disease, a transmissible cancer, has devastated wild Tasmanian devil populations since the mid-1990s, reducing numbers by over 80%. Captive-bred animals are screened regularly for the disease, and insurance populations in mainland zoos serve as a genetic safeguard. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute participates in the Species Survival Plan for Tasmanian devils, which coordinates breeding and health monitoring across accredited institutions here.
Why Private Ownership Is Not Recommended
Despite viral media portrayals, Tasmanian devils are not suitable pets due to their powerful bite, nocturnal behavior, and complex social needs. They require large, secure enclosures, specialized veterinary care, and a diet that is difficult and expensive to maintain. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the species as Endangered, and private ownership does not contribute to conservation goals. For current IUCN status details, visit the IUCN Red List page here.