A northern quoll has been safely transported back to Rockhampton after accidentally hitchhiking to Brisbane.
The lost traveller was seen fleeing from a truck after it arrived in Brisbane, where it had been unknowingly hiding during the transit in March.
Following a comprehensive veterinary assessment and monitoring at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, the northern quoll was deemed suitable for release back into the wild.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) ensured it was released into a national park with an established population of northern quolls.
DETSI Senior Wildlife Ranger Leigh Deutscher helped to successfully released the northern quoll into the wild in Rockhampton last month.
"One of our key priorities is protecting Queensland's wildlife, so it was great to be a part of this adorable northern quoll's journey home," Mr Deutscher said.
"There's only a small number of northern quolls in the Capricornia region, so this rescue and release plays a crucial role in maintaining their populations for future generations.
"We don't believe the quoll was purposefully brought to Brisbane; this was a very rare situation, but it's an important reminder that it can happen.
"Anyone who finds sick, injured or orphaned wildlife should contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL immediately so that they can get the help they need."
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Senior Veterinarian Dr Michael Pyne OAM said it was incredibly rewarding to play a role in getting the northern quoll back into an established wild population.
"After a full health-check we were pleased to confirm he's a healthy juvenile male - remarkable really, given the unplanned journey he'd just made," Dr Pyne said.
"Our team at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital monitored him closely before giving him the all-clear to head back north where he belongs.
"Cases like this are only possible because of the incredible team we have here at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and the community support that keeps us operating around the clock for Queensland's wildlife."
The Queensland Government is committed to helping more sick and injured wildlife in Queensland, delivering five new and expanded wildlife hospitals including a research and education campus at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
