'Little spike of happiness': Lost possum finds cozy spot among plush toys at airport shop

The disoriented marsupial was spotted perched quietly on a shelf lined with stuffed native animals, including kangaroos, bilbies, and Tasmanian devils.

• Wild possum discovered in Hobart Airport gift shop plush toys
• Staff initially mistook the possum for a lifelike stuffed animal
• The possum was safely escorted outside after causing excitement

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Travellers at Hobart Airport in Australia were treated to an unexpected and heartwarming sight this week when a wild possum was discovered nestled among soft toys in a gift shop, blending in so well that staff initially mistook it for just another plush display.

The disoriented marsupial was spotted perched quietly on a shelf lined with stuffed native animals, including kangaroos, bilbies, and Tasmanian devils.

It took a keen-eyed passenger to notice something unusual, the possum’s eyes were moving.

"A passenger reported it… and staff couldn’t quite believe what they were hearing at first," store manager Liam Bloomfield said, further adding, "We found the possum sitting within the native plush, it looked like he was pretty comfortable".

Videos captured the animal calmly sitting among the toys, appearing almost at home. Bloomfield added with a smile, "We always knew our plushie collection was lifelike, but it seems we finally got the ultimate seal of approval".

For a brief moment, the possum seemed content to stay hidden. However, once it began to move, the quiet curiosity quickly turned into excitement. As it wandered out into the terminal, passengers gathered, filming and following the unexpected visitor.

What followed was described by staff as "pandemonium", though the mood remained light-hearted.

Despite the commotion, no one was hurt, and airport operations continued as normal.

"We were very happy to see a special local visitor stop by our terminal gift shop," Bloomfield said during an interaction with AFP. "We’re just glad we could provide a cozy resting spot," he noted.

Airport staff soon stepped in and safely escorted the possum out of the terminal, ensuring it was returned unharmed to the outdoors.

How the animal made its way into the secure departure area is still unclear, though ongoing construction work is believed to have provided an entry point. Bloomfield also dismissed the idea of a prank, noting that it would have been difficult for anyone to bring the animal through airport security.

Reflecting on the unusual encounter, an airport spokesperson said, “Only in Australia could a local possum pop in for a quick browse among the souvenirs.”

For a few fleeting minutes, the airport experienced something rare, "not delays, not disruption, just a little spike of happiness".