Nine marsupials have died unexpectedly at an Australian zoo - with “plant toxicity” thought to be behind the tragic mystery.
Seven female quokkas and two yellow-footed rock wallabies were discovered dead at Adelaide Zoo last month, it announced on Tuesday.
The zoo described the incident as “extremely upsetting and distressing“.
“A full investigation is currently underway but at this time we do not know the reason for the deaths,” it said.
“Our staff are working incredibly hard to run toxicology samples and are working through the situation with the veterinary, curatorial and horticultural teams as well as pathologists across Australia.
“We appreciate your support and thoughts at this time and ask that you please only show kindness and respect for the loss of these animals.”
A spokesperson for the Adelaide Zoo told the BBC “plant toxicity” is believed to be the most likely cause of the tragedy.
“The loss of one animal, let alone a large group in a sudden incident such as this, is extremely upsetting, particularly for those who care for them,” the spokeswoman told the BBC.
An 11-month-old quokka joey called Marli is said to have survived and is currently being looked after by staff at the zoo, reports Australian news outlet 7News. The three remaining male quokkas have been taken off the exhibit.
Ten other yellow-footed rock wallabies are said to have been “noticeably flat” following the incident but are thought to have made a full recovery.
Fans of the zoo have responded in heartbreak at the news on social media.
One wrote on Facebook: “So so sorry to hear. I hope the cause is found to help understand what happened. So heartbreaking.”
Another said: “So sad and heartbreaking, the quokkas are mine and my daughter’s favourite animal to feed and pat at the Adelaide zoo, thinking of the keepers who looked after them and the rock wallabies and hope you can find some answers so it doesn’t happen again.”
Adelaide Zoo, located in the coastal city of Adelaide in South Australia, is the country’s second oldest zoo and is operated on a non-profit basis.
