Zurich, Switzerland – Brush-tailed rat-wallabies, also called woylies, are now part of Zurich Zoo’s animal training program.

These shy marsupials are known for their love of truffle-like mushrooms, which they find underground. In their native Australia, woylies are important to the ecosystem and are considered true mushroom specialists.

To help conduct regular health checks, the zoo began training the woylies in late 2024. Zookeepers use red balls on sticks and insect larvae as rewards. After patient training, the woylies respond to cues and allow handlers to examine them.

During one session, inflammation was detected early in a woylie and treated successfully. Without training, such conditions could go unnoticed because woylies are nocturnal and naturally timid.

Woylies eat more than mushrooms. Their menu includes insect larvae, beets, celery, carrots, herbs, and seeds. However, mushrooms remain their favorite, especially in summer and fall. To support their natural behavior, the zoo has added fungal mycelium to the outdoor enclosure, encouraging them to forage as they would in the wild.

These animals are excellent diggers and help improve soil health. By spreading fungal spores through their droppings, they support plant growth and contribute to a balanced ecosystem. Woylies are known as ecosystem engineers because of this role.

The species has made a strong comeback over the past decade. Once listed as critically endangered, they are now classified as near threatened, according to the February 2025 update of the Red List.

Despite this progress, threats like climate change and invasive species continue to pose risks. Fenced reserves without predators like foxes and cats have helped. The 2023–2024 drought in southwest Australia caused another population drop.

Zurich Zoo supports the European Endangered Species Programme to help ensure the woylie’s long-term survival.

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