A Tasmanian devil that vanished from her enclosure is showing encouraging signs of recovery, taking her first bites of food since being rescued after more than two weeks from home.

Beloved marsupial Mary is under close watch at a specialist animal hospital where she is following a strict high-protein diet as she heals from her 15-day ordeal in the wild.

Her first bites were an important moment for her carers who have set out a targeted treatment plan.

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Mary was found in bushland off Kopps Rd on the Gold Coast on Tuesday night, bringing an end to a rescue operation that captivated the nation.

“If I’m honest, it’s an emotional rollercoaster,” Paradise Country wildlife curator Lauren Mousley said.

It was touch and go for Mary, who had swelling to the brain and was in a critical condition after her extended time on the run.

“We are seeing a level of improvement that we’re quite satisfied with in this stage of the game,” Mousley said.

Mary will remain at the Gold Coast facility for some time as she continues her recovery, with hopes can eventually return home to her best friend Mavka.

“Mary’s been through an adventure so if anyone can get through this, we are hopeful that Mary can,” Paradise Country head vet Claire Madden said.

Wildlife authorities have confirmed Mary’s enclosure at Paradise Country is safe and compliant.

It is unlikely the park will face any fines over the escape.

“We’re all in it for the long haul, obviously. Mary has become a very amazing ambassador for her species and an international phenomenon,” Mousley said.