Tig the spotted‑tailed quoll has recently joined the Alexandra Park Zoo family and his arrival has inspired the launch of night‑time tours to capture a rare look at the zoo after dark.
Arriving from Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania, the one‑and‑a‑half‑year‑old quoll was bred in captivity as part of ongoing efforts to protect and conserve one of Australia’s most elusive carnivorous marsupials.
His name is believed to come from the species’ common name – the tiger quoll.
Alexandra Park Zoo has featured quolls since 2013, making Tig’s arrival a welcome return for the species.
Keepers say Tig is quick, curious and settling in well
Alexandra Park Zoo keepers said Tig is food‑motivated, agile and inquisitive and they were already enjoying watching his personality develop as he settled into his new home.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said Tig’s arrival had created excitement among visitors and staff.
“Tig helps us share the story of a native animal most Australians will never encounter in the wild,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Many people have heard of quolls but have never seen one up close while others may be discovering them for the first time.”
Mayor Blackburn encouraged visitors to pop into Alexandra Park Zoo in the early afternoon to meet the newest zoo family member.
“As a nocturnal animal, Tig is most active in the afternoons so this is when visitors will have a better chance of seeing him show off his cheeky side.”
New night tours highlight zoo’s nocturnal species
Tig’s arrival has also sparked the development of a new night‑time tour offering at Alexandra Park Zoo.
The ticketed tours will offer an intimate after‑dark experience.
Visitors will meet the zoo’s nocturnal species including the dingoes, quoll, snakes, frogs and wallabies through an immersive experience which is in the final stages of development before ticket sales are officially launched.
Details on tour dates and how to book will be released in coming months on Council’s channels.
A closer look at the elusive native species
Spotted‑tailed quolls (Dasyurus maculatus) are Australia’s largest quoll species. The carnivorous marsupial grows up to 1.5 metres from nose to tail and weighs between 2 and 7 kilograms.
Despite their size, they are powerful climbers and strong hunters, capable of taking on prey larger than themselves.
They are found in parts of eastern Australia and Tasmania, living in forests, woodlands and rocky areas.
With their spotted coats, fluffy tails and curious nature, they are one of the country’s most striking native animals and one that many Australians will never see in the wild.
Head to our website to check the zoo’s open hours and learn more about the animals it is home to.
