A national park near Warwick has become the new home of a spotted-tailed quoll, an endangered marsupial after it was discovered in an unlikely location — among mangroves overhanging the Brisbane River.
The animal was spotted on 18 June, by a concerned member of the public, who promptly contacted the RSPCA for assistance.
The quoll was taken to the RSPCA’s Wacol facility, where it underwent a thorough examination by Dr Tim Portas, the RSPCA Queensland wildlife veterinary director.
“On examination, we found that it had a slight injury to the tip of its tail and some minor skin lesions,“ Dr Portas said.
“Some surgery was performed to repair the wound to the tail, and treatment was given for dermatitis. The quoll has since made a full recovery.“
On 25 July, the quoll was successfully released into a national park near Warwick, a known habitat for the species.
Senior wildlife officer Cameron Wregg expressed his joy at the successful release, saying, “The quoll sped out from the cage, and the successful release of the animal into the wild was an excellent outcome.“
Mr Wregg also emphasised the importance of not attempting to capture or care for native wildlife without proper training.
“The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation would like to thank the member of the public for calling the RSPCA and not attempting to capture or care for the animal themselves,“ he said.
“Like all our native wildlife, spotted-tailed quolls require specialised care by experienced veterinarians or wildlife carers.“
The origins of the quoll’s unexpected appearance in Brisbane remain unknown. It is believed that the animal may have been a stowaway on a truck or in camping equipment before being accidentally or deliberately released.
Wildlife officials have ruled out the possibility of the quoll being kept as a pet, as it displayed wild behaviour.
The incident serves as a reminder that wildlife encounters can occur anywhere and that experts should always rehabilitate native animals.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, committed to protecting native wildlife, urges anyone who finds sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife to call 1300 ANIMAL immediately.
Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, individuals who rescue native wildlife are required to hand the animal over to the RSPCA, a veterinarian, or a registered wildlife carer within 72 hours.
