A devil in name only

The animal in my painting is Derek, a Tasmanian devil. He’s my friend and represents the many Tasmanian devils threatened by cars, habitat loss, and human activity. Every day, he worries about the dangers surrounding his home and the future of his species. Among all his wishes, one stands stronger than any other—to not be called a devil. Despite their name, Tasmanian devils are not evil. They are shy, caring creatures that play an important role in nature and pose little threat to people. Derek would rather be known for who he truly is. After all, who would want to help a “devil” survive and thrive? I would be devastated if future generations never had the chance to see these unique animals in the wild. I hope we can protect Tasmania’s wildlife so they continue to thrive for generations to come.