Press Release

Saturday 26 May 2007

LOONEY TUNES JOIN THE FIGHT TO SAVE THE TASMANIAN DEVIL
In a world premiere, Bugs Bunny, Sylvester, Road Runner, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote, Elmer Fudd, Tweety Bird and Porky Pig have joined the fight to save the Tasmanian Devil.

In an exclusive deal, cartoon giant Warner Bros. has launched a new campaign ‘Looney Tunes to the Rescue’ with part proceeds from the sales of a series of DVDs to be donated to the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

Tourism, Arts and Environment Minister Paula Wriedt said the deal was part of a rare partnership agreement between Warner Home Video and Tourism Tasmania.

Ms Wriedt said the campaign involves Looney Tunes characters rallying to the rescue of their mate “Taz”.

“Warner Home Video will release a national campaign of 20 Looney Tunes DVDs, including 11 new DVD titles,” Ms Wriedt said.

“One dollar from every DVD sold will be donated to the Tasmanian Devil Appeal managed by the University of Tasmania.

“As part of the promotion, an insert with detailed information on the Tasmanian devil, the Devil Facial Tumour Disease and ways in which people can help support the cause will be included in the jacket of each DVD.

“The DVDs will be sold right across Australia throughout the hundreds of Target, Big W and Kmart stores, which will significantly increase the profile of the plight of the Tasmanian devil.

Ms Wriedt said sales are expected to be a big hit with children across Australia able to see their favourite Looney Tunes characters in action and at the same time contribute to vital research efforts to save the devil.

“This partnership will go a long way to assist in raising funds, awareness and future opportunities to ensure the survival of the Tasmanian Devil.

“Tasmanians are faced with an enormous challenge – to save one of our most precious icons, the Tasmanian devil, and the Tasmanian Government will ensure we can do everything in our power to make this happen.”

The 20 Looney Tunes titles are being sold through Target, Big W and Kmart stores nationwide, for a limited time only. The DVDs are available to own for $11.95 (RRP) from 4 July 2007.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au