Imagine you’re at the airport gift shop, perusing a display of animal toys when one of them suddenly moves. Then you realise it’s actually alive.
That’s exactly what happened to passengers and staff at Hobart Airport in Tasmania earlier this week.
The creature in question? A possum.
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Captured on camera, the little Australian marsupial can be seen huddled among a collection of koalas, echidnas and Tasmanian devils (all very much not alive).
According to onlookers, the possum stayed among the soft toys for a short while before venturing out of the shop and into the departure lounge, after which it was carefully escorted outside by several members of airport staff.
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“We had a furry little friend join us in the terminal this week, at the gifts and souvenirs store in departures – it made itself at home among the souvenirs shelf,” said a Hobart Airport spokesperson.
“The team working in the store at the time were very surprised and couldn’t believe they found the possum with its lookalike plush family.
“Our team ensured the little visitor was safely escorted, it wasn’t distressed – just another day of adventuring.
“Only in Australia and only at Hobart Airport could a local possum pop in for a quick browse among the souvenirs."
Only in Australia and only at Hobart Airport could a local possum pop in for a quick browse among the souvenirs.
The shop’s store manager, Liam Bloomfield, was delighted with the possum discovery. “We always knew our plushie toy collection was lifelike, but it seems we finally got the ultimate seal of approval,” he said.
“We were very happy to see a special local visitor stop by our terminal gift shop to browse the toy aisle and see if it could find some new friends. We’re happy to report that the visitor has safely made its way back to the great outdoors. We’re just glad we could provide a cosy resting spot in our store.”
Possums are one of many curious-looking creatures found in Tasmania. Other animals that live in the Australian island state include Tasmanian devils, wombats, quolls, pademelons and echidnas.
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