See the Gliders | Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Distribution Along the east coast of mainland Australia
Life Span They can live to over 15 years
Gestation About 30 days

From the World's Smallest to Australia's Largest Gliding Mammal

At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you can find a variety of Glider species, including the Greater Glider, Squirrel Glider and Feathertail Glider. While they are all unique in their own way, they have one fascinating characteristic in common: They travel through the trees using their unique membrane to glide. Amazingly. the Greater Glider can glide up to 100 meters in one go using its long tail for steering as its glides through the trees.

These silent, nocturnal creatures are all amazing acrobats and spend all of their time in trees. Make sure you sharpen your eyes when you come and visit them, because they are fast! Especially the Feathertail Glider - you can count yourself lucky if you spot one as they are incredibly fast, agile and the world's smallest gliding mammal weighing 10-15 grams (so approximately 10-15 sultanas in weight).

Fun Fact

Did you know that some Gliders can change direction mid-flight? They steer using their long tails and special flaps of skin called "patagia" to glide smoothly and even turn 90 degrees while soaring through the air!

A possum with large pink ears and dark eyes sits in a wooden enclosure, looking up at the camera.

See Gliders

Map Locations

B14

Best time to see me

Anytime

See More Animals

This Way

Jingeri – Hello

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the greater Yugambeh language region, the Country on which Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Hospital are situated today. We recognise their continuing connections to the land, sky, waters (waterways), and wildlife. We thank them for caring for this Country and its ecosystems.

We celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and we pay our respect to Elders past and present.

Gliders