A brushtail possum was found in the plush toy section of the Lagardère AWPL gift shop at Hobart Airport on March 19, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. The possum was spotted by a passenger among toy kangaroos, bilbies, dingoes, and Tasmanian devils, capturing the attention of those nearby.
According to Liam Bloomfield, the retail manager of the gift shop, the possum remained calm while being escorted out of the terminal by airport staff. “We’ll have a little shrine to the possum,” Bloomfield stated, reflecting the affection the staff developed for the unexpected visitor.
The possum was captured on camera huddled among the soft toys, briefly venturing into the departure lounge before being escorted outside. Bloomfield remarked, “We always knew our plushie toy collection was lifelike, but it seems we finally got the ultimate seal of approval.” This incident has sparked a wave of interest on social media, with one user commenting, “This would make my whole year. So cute.”
Brushtail possums are one of five species of possum found in Tasmania and are known for their nocturnal habits. However, it remains unclear how the possum entered the secure departure terminal, and details about how long it remained in the shop before being spotted are unconfirmed.
The sighting has not only entertained passengers but also highlighted the unique wildlife of Tasmania, which includes other iconic species such as kangaroos, bilbies, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, koalas, and wombats. The incident serves as a reminder of the close proximity of wildlife in the region, often leading to unexpected encounters.
