In the heart of the Australian forest, a tiny creature was discovered, weighing less than a gram. Meet Boop, a baby feathertail glider, who has stolen the hearts of everyone at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors. This little ball of fluff is the smallest animal at the sanctuary, and her cuteness is unmatched.
Boop’s journey began when she fell out of her mother’s pouch and was found on the ground. The wildlife sanctuary is now providing her with the best care possible, ensuring she receives the nourishment and attention she needs before being released back into the wild.
Feathertail gliders are native Australian animals, known for their distinctive flat tail, which resembles a bird feather. This unique feature allows them to steer and brake as they glide through the trees. Adult feathertail gliders weigh only 10-15 grams, making them one of the smallest mammals in Australia.
These tiny creatures are members of the Burramyidae family and are related to pygmy possums. Due to their small size, they have a unique way of coping with cold weather or food scarcity. They enter a state of torpor, where their breathing slows down, and their body temperature drops to match their surroundings.
Feathertail gliders have a remarkable ability to glide through the air, using a skin fold that extends from their elbow to their knee. This membrane, combined with their flattened tail, allows them to travel great distances, like a falling leaf. They inhabit trees, feeding on nectar, pollen, and insects, and use their gliding abilities to move from one tree to another.
These tiny possums are found throughout eastern Australia, from South Australia to far North Queensland. They construct their nests in various locations, including abandoned bird nests and tree ferns. Feathertail gliders live in communal groups, ranging from 5 to 30 individuals, and reproduce throughout the year in the northern parts of the country.
Boop’s story is a testament to the dedication and care of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors. As she grows and thrives, she will eventually be released back into the wild, where she will join her fellow feathertail gliders in their treetop adventures.
