Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Welcomes New Baby Greater Bilby Skye Nicolson

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is celebrating the arrival of a new Greater Bilby joey, with the tiny nocturnal newcomer already charming guests while helping shine a spotlight on one of Australia’s most threatened native species.

Born to resident bilby Tyson, four-month-old joey Skye Nicolson continues the Sanctuary’s playful boxing theme, with her name inspired by the Australian professional boxer. Though still small, Skye is growing more confident each day as she settles into life at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Guests visiting the Sanctuary’s Repturnal Den are beginning to catch glimpses of Skye’s natural Greater Bilby behaviours – from energetic digging and active foraging to her distinctive oversized ears, constantly alert as she explores her surroundings.

Meet the Greater Bilby: One of Australia’s Most Unique Marsupials

The Greater Bilby is one of Australia’s most distinctive native animals, recognised for its long ears, silky grey-brown coat and powerful digging claws. Once widespread across much of the Australian continent, the species is now classified as vulnerable in the wild due to habitat loss and introduced predators such as foxes and feral cats.

As Easter approaches – Skye’s arrival offers a timely reminder of the importance of protecting Australia’s native wildlife and the fragile ecosystems they depend on.

For many guests, seeing a Greater Bilby up close is a rare and memorable experience. These elusive nocturnal marsupials are seldom seen in the wild, making encounters at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary especially meaningful.

Supporting Greater Bilby Conservation

At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Skye forms part of a broader national conservation effort. Through its Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA)-accredited breeding program, the Sanctuary helps maintain a carefully managed insurance population that supports the long-term sustainability of the Greater Bilby.

Programs like this also play an important role in connecting guests with wildlife. Bilbies such as Skye act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping foster deeper understanding while inspiring conservation action among visitors of all ages.

By visiting Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, guests directly support ongoing conservation work dedicated to securing a future for the Greater Bilby and other vulnerable Australian species.

See Skye at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

For guests, Skye offers a rare opportunity to see one of Australia’s most elusive nocturnal marsupials up close while learning more about the challenges facing the species in the wild.

Plan your visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, stop by the Repturnal Den, and keep an eye out for Skye as she grows more confident each week — a special chance to connect with one of Australia’s most remarkable native animals.