While most wild sugar gliders living in Australia’s coastal lowlands wake up in their cozy tree nests, one little guy had the fright of his life recently when he awoke from a nap in the middle of a giant body of water with no trees in sight.
It all started when a group of boaters, including Carolyn Peterson, went out for a trip from Beachmere, a coastal town, to Moreton Island. The outing was just like any other: The group traveled through Beachmere via the Caboolture River and out into Moreton Bay, then set off toward the island in the distance.
But it wasn’t until they opened their sails in the middle of the bay that they realized someone else was aboard.
Facebook/Wildlife Rescue Queensland
“[W]e received a call about a tiny stowaway who had curled up for a nap inside the folds of a sailing boat in Beachmere,” Wildlife Rescue Queensland (WRQ) wrote on Facebook. “Unbeknownst to anyone, this little Sugar Glider had set off on quite the adventure …”
Peterson and her group were stunned. They had no idea that the sugar glider had joined along, and by the look on his face, neither did he.
Facebook/Wildlife Rescue Queensland
The crew jumped into action, attempting to contain the bewildered sugar glider balancing on the edge of the boat. It was a heart-stopping ordeal. But after a few careful maneuvers and a little gentle coaxing, the glider was safely in their grasp, no longer in danger of falling into the water.
“It was quite a mission to catch him …” Peterson wrote in a Facebook comment.
Facebook/Wildlife Rescue Queensland
A wave of relief came over the group as they wrapped the sugar glider in blankets and continued on to Moreton Island. As soon as they docked, they spoke to a Queensland Parks and Wildlife ranger, who led them to a local resort worker named Sue. Sue then contacted WRQ, and they came up with a 12-hour plan for the displaced little guy.
Facebook/Wildlife Rescue Queensland
It was an unusual night for the sugar glider as he settled in for an overnight stay at Tangalooma Resort instead of his typical coastal tree nest. But thankfully, he was safe, and in the morning, he’d return to his natural habitat on the mainland.
The ferry ride the next morning went off without a hitch, and the sugar glider soon arrived in Pinkenba, where a WRQ volunteer was waiting for him. After giving him a clean bill of health, the WRQ team loaded the sugar glider into their car and drove nearly an hour back to Beachmere, “right where he belongs.”
You can see more pictures from the sugar glider’s rescue here:
When they finally located the perfect tree for him, the glider’s reaction was everything they hoped it’d be. The little guy leapt from their hands to the tree and immediately climbed up it, as if overjoyed to finally be on land again.
You can watch that triumphant moment here:
The sugar glider seamlessly returned to his usual routine in the forest, but something set him apart from the rest. This little sugar glider had accidentally ventured out to a part of the world he never would’ve experienced otherwise, and he — along with everyone who helped him — would never forget it.
“A big journey for such a tiny animal, and a great outcome thanks to everyone involved!” WRQ wrote.
To help animals like this sugar glider get the care they need, you can donate to Wildlife Rescue Queensland here.
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