The marsupials were rescued by our colleagues at the Parks and Wildlife Service after being discovered in a site being prepared for earthworks.

The pair, a male and female, have been living behind-the-scenes in our Veterinary Hospital and recently had their very first health check.

 While under general anaesthetic, vets and vet nurses gave the marsupials a thorough exam from their nose to their toes!

To obtain a baseline health assessment, the team collected blood samples, performed radiographs, tested joint flexibility and checked dental hygiene.

The small marsupials were also microchipped and the female’s pouch was checked, just in case there was a little surprise inside!

Results showed the Quendas are in good health and will be ready to move into the Nocturnal House in the coming weeks.

As rescue animals, we had no record of their birth date, but by measuring their feet (pes length), our team were able to determine the Quendas are about one year old!

This is a common technique used to determine age for many native fauna species, including Koalas and Numbats.

The arrival of the male and female marsupials marks the first time Perth Zoo has housed these iconic Western Australian species since 2016.

Quendas, also known as southern brown bandicoots, are native to WA and are only found in the state’s southwest.

Although not endangered, populations are declining in the wild. The addition of another special species to the Zoo creates new ways for visitors to connect with nature.

It also grows the opportunities for visitors to learn more about local wildlife and our conservation efforts, inspiring action big or small!

Fast Facts

• Quendas are nocturnal, but if seeking food, they can be seen at dawn and dusk.
• Quendas are ecosystem engineers - dispersing seeds and beneficial fungi while they forage and feed.   
• Quendas can turn over approximately 3.9 tonne of soil in a year, in doing so aerating the soil, improving water penetration and promoting nutrient cycling.
• Quendas can’t climb! They may jump in critical situations but never climb.
• They are commonly mistaken for rats due to their size and shape!