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Adelaide Zoo has advised that a full investigation is currently underway to determine the unexpected death last month of nine of its animals.

In a post, Adelaide Zoo shared that seven female Quokkas and two Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies had died, with the reason behind the animal’s deaths still unclear.

Plant toxicity is being examined as a possible cause of the deaths.

The statement advised “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.

“As you can imagine, this is an extremely upsetting and distressing situation for our keepers and staff.”

With no animals from other exhibits having shown signs of being unwell since the deaths, the zoo’s veterinary team is confident it is an isolated incident but further investigation is under way.

An 11-month-old quokka joey survived and is recovering in the zoo's health centre.

Ten other Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies were “noticeably flat” after the incident, but have since made a full recovery after receiving supportive care. Three male quokkas are in good health but have been taken off exhibit.

Image. Credit: Adelaide Zoo

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