The Tasmanian Wolf

The thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian wolf or Tasmanian tiger, is an Australian marsupial. Or at least it was: the last one died in 1936. Systematically eradicated by humans, the species’ ability to open its mouth widely was thought to be detrimental to sheep farming. However, it was a quiet and easily tameable animal.

The thylacine exhibited in this room has been part of our collection since 1871! It is a very rare and fragile historic specimen, so humidity and lighting have to be well adjusted. That is why the light only switches on when there is someone nearby.

In the hall, you can watch a video of the last thylacine to be captured and hear its heartbreaking howl.