Deep in the forest, a tiny creature was discovered, weighing less than a gram and no bigger than a nail. This little bundle of joy was a baby feathertail glider named Boop, who had escaped her mother’s pouch and was in need of care.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors took Boop under their wing, providing her with the best care possible before releasing her back into the wild. As the smallest animal at the sanctuary, Boop’s cuteness is unmatched.
Feathertail gliders are native Australian animals, known for their distinctive flat tail, covered in stiff fringed hair that resembles a bird’s feather. This unique feature allows them to steer and brake as they glide through the trees.
These tiny mammals are part 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, slowing down their breathing, losing consciousness temporarily, and dropping their body temperature 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 as a gliding membrane. They can travel great distances, like a falling leaf, and use their flattened tail to steer, brake, and anchor as they land.
These tiny creatures are found throughout eastern Australia, from South Australia to far North Queensland. They live in communal groups, building nests in abandoned bird nests, banana sacks, or even tree ferns. With a lifespan of four years in the wild, feathertail gliders are a true marvel of nature.
Boop’s story is a testament to the dedication of wildlife sanctuaries and the resilience of these tiny creatures. As she grows and thrives, Boop will one day return to the wild, gliding through the trees with ease, and bringing joy to all who are lucky enough to spot her.
