Called ‘Peanut’ – the new female baby Golden Tasmanian Possum is showing off a strong appetite and playfully climbing around on her mum’s back.
A zoo spokesperson said: “We’ve had an adorable new addition start to become more visible recently.
"Peanut was born to dad Piglet and mum Pansy, and has been growing in the pouch for the last five months but only started emerging out the pouch last week, appearing to be a very confident and inquisitive joey so far!”
The zoo says the Tasmanian golden possum is a “rare colour variation” of the common brushtail possum found in Tasmania. Instead of the usual grey or brown, these possums have soft golden or creamy-orange fur, often with pale pink noses.
“The colour comes from a genetic mutation that reduces darker pigment, just like our white tiger Mohan,” the spokesperson continued. “It looks striking, but it can make them more visible at night, which isn’t always ideal when you’re trying to avoid predators. Other than that, they’re just like regular brushtail possums; always on the lookout for food like leaves, flowers, fruit, and the occasional insect."
They added: “ We are excited to watch Peanut bloom, just like the flowers that she eats!”
Along with the chance to glimpse baby Peanut, visitors to the park over the Easter holidays can enjoy an egg hunt, animal talks, and Easter crafts. To plan your visit, head over to the zoo’s website.
