Endangered spotted-tailed quoll rescued from mangrove peril in Brisbane and relocated to national park near Warwick

An iconic Australian marsupial has been given a new home in the Southern Downs after a dramatic rescue unfolded on the banks of the Brisbane River to save the endangered animal stranded far from home.

A unique and endangered native icon has found a new backyard in the Southern Downs after being rescued from a perilous situation on the banks of the Brisbane River.

An adorable spotted-tailed quoll has been released back into the wild after it was discovered by a member of the public in June overhanging the Brisbane River.

It is uncommon to find the animal in southeast Queensland, especially metropolitan areas, and it is unknown how the animal ended up there.

After contacting the RSPCA, the agency swooped in to rescue the creature, rehabilitating it and helping in its recovery.

RSPCA veterinary director Dr Tim Portas noticed the native animal had a slight injury to the tip of its tail and some minor skin lesions.

An endangered spotted-tailed quoll has been saved from perilous mangroves and released in the Downs, with how he got to Brisbane unknown. (Photo: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation)

“There was some surgery performed to repair the wound to the tail, and some treatment given for dermatitis, and the quoll has since made a full recovery,” Dr Portas said.

This week, the animal was released into a new habitat, a national park near Warwick, where it will be surrounded with other quolls.

Dr Tim Portas, the RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Veterinary Director, helped the animal make a full recovery (Photo: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation)

Senior wildlife officer Cameron Wregg said the quoll sped out from the cage, and the successful release of the animal into the wild was an excellent outcome.

“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,” Mr Wregg said.

“We know members of the public might feel that temptation to try and provide care for native wildlife, but in this instance, they did the right thing for the animal.

“Like all our native wildlife, spotted-tailed quolls require specialised care by experienced veterinarians or wildlife carers.

The cute fellow is thriving in his new home (Photo: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation)

“We would like to thank the RSPCA for their specialised care of the quoll, which showed clear indications that it was not habituated to people.

“Wildlife officers do not know how the quoll came to be in Brisbane, but we don’t believe it was being kept as a pet because it exhibited wild behaviour.

“It may have been a stowaway on a truck or in someone’s camping equipment, then been deliberately or accidentally released.”

It’s a reminder that wildlife encounters can happen anywhere, including in our backyards, and native animals should be rehabilitated by experts.

“Protecting native wildlife is a core responsibility of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and we want to injured or sick wildlife to be rehabilitated and released back into the wild,” Mr Wregg said.

If you find a sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, it is recommended to call 1300 ANIMAL immediately.

Originally published as Endangered spotted-tailed quoll rescued from mangrove peril in Brisbane and relocated to national park near Warwick