Kuranda Koala Gardens breed two critically endangered mahogany gliders

Hope ignites after the two births of a critically endangered Far North species that is one of many steps a Kuranda facility is taking to restore the animal.

There is hope for a critically endangered Far North species after two births at a Kuranda facility.

Kuranda Koala Gardens celebrated the birth of twin mahogany glider joeys Mel and Leuca — named after the melaleuca tree.

Wildlife keepers Rickie Millard and Lisa McArdle care for four-month-old mahogany gliders Mel and Leuca. Picture: Brendan Radke

“They’re very adorable, we don’t have favourites, we love them equally,” co-owner Angela Freeman said.

Their birth in late August was the first time Koala Gardens have successfully bred this critically endangered species outside of their time at the late Cairns Tropical Zoo, according to Ms Freeman.

“To my knowledge, I believe (the parents are) the only breeding pair left in captivity,” she said.

“They’re being killed very frequently trying to fly over across the highway and they’re getting squashed.”

Four-month-old mahogany gliders Mel and Leuca hitch a ride on their mother Pip's back. Picture: Brendan Radke

The gliders live anywhere from Cardwell to Tropical North and land clearing and lack of breeding programs have contributed to their demise, Ms Freeman said.

In the new year, the centre will begin works for a garden at its Koala Food Tree plantation near Mareeba for native flora species for its gliders, possums and birds to enjoy — as well as plans to occupy unused state, council or church land near Kuranda Village.

Originally published as Kuranda Koala Gardens breed two critically endangered mahogany gliders