Krefft’s Cuties: Our Latest Rescue

My phone alarmed to tell me that i have a notification... as I glanced at my phone I saw that there was a rescue to attend - gliders! I quickly scanned over the details and started to grab my rescue equipment to head off on our second rescue in two days.

This rescue was 55 minutes drive from Sunset Creek. I enjoyed watching the Aussie bush pass us by as my husband and I headed down the country road to the rescue. My mind whirled with thoughts as it always did on the way to a rescue. There were always many unknowns so you always had to be prepared.

This rescue was particularly pleasant. The members of the public who called in the rescue were lovely. They had handled the rescue very professionally and the little gliders when we got there were in a good situation. We chatted with the people who called in the rescue to find out any details that could be significant, then we carefully looked over the little gliders and moved them into our travel enclosure after placing them in a soft pouch together.

When we got back home I checked over our new little rescues and took down their stats.

Turn's out these sweet little furry gliders are Krefft's gliders.

These two little sisters are still very young. Their little eyes have just opened and they will have a while in care before they will be fit for release. Right now, they are safe, warm, and snuggled up in their pouch while we make sure they get the best care possible.

For those who haven’t met one before, Krefft’s gliders are fascinating little creatures. They belong to the possum family and are close relatives of the sugar glider (hence the common mis-identification). Here are a few fun facts about them:

The name change: You may have heard of the sugar glider, but in recent years, scientists discovered that what we used to call sugar gliders in Australia are actually three different species. Our new little friends are the Australian native Krefft’s gliders.

Built-in parachutes: Krefft’s gliders have a special skin membrane stretching from their wrists to their ankles, which allows them to glide up to 50 metres between trees! This clever adaptation helps them escape predators and move easily through the forest canopy.

Tiny but tough: Despite weighing less than 150 grams fully grown (our two joeys weigh a tiny 30g each), they’re skilled survivors. They are nocturnal, spending the night hunting for nectar, pollen, insects, and sap.

Social snugglers: These gliders love company. They often live in family groups and snuggle up together in tree hollows to keep warm. We are very pleased that these two sisters have each other which will give them better survival odds.

Predators: Their main threats are owls, snakes, cats, and foxes, which is why tree hollows and healthy forests are so important to their survival.

Lifespan: In the wild, they live about 4–6 years, but in care, they can sometimes reach up to 9–10 years.

Night owls: They are nocturnal, meaning they sleep in tree hollows during the day and come out at night to forage.

Forest dwellers: Krefft’s gliders live in eucalypt forests and woodlands, often close to a water source.

At Sunset Creek, we feel privileged to provide a safe haven for these two youngsters until they are found a more long term home where they will stay until their release in a few short months. Over the coming weeks, they’ll be given the round-the-clock care they need to grow strong. Once they are old enough, the ultimate goal is always to release them back into the wild where they belong.

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. Every animal that comes into our care has a story, and every rescue is a chance to give them a second chance at life.

We’ll keep you updated on their journey, but for now, we’re just grateful these two little gliders have found their way to safety.