One of Victoria's Greater Gliders, Rex's wide eyes show the hope that he may one day be able to go back home.

Rex was named by one of our keepers in honour of the place where he was found - Kinglake (rex is the Latin term for king). Brought in from the Kinglake triage centre, Rex has superficial burns to his nose and face. While his injuries indicate that he may have fled the fire, it is still an uncertain future for Rex as most of his habitat has been destroyed.

A Greater Glider has big bushy ears, a long tail and has jet black fur. It can climb trees and, in one glide, can go from tree to tree. A gliding membrane stretches from the elbow to the ankle. It likes to live alone and the male defends its territory fiercely. The Greater Glider mates with only one female during its life who has one baby every year.

The Greater Glider is the largest of Australia's gliding possums.

Greater Gliders are common across the eastern seaboard of Australia and eats only gum leaves. The devastating fires have ruined their habitat and food source. The Sanctuary has five fire-affected Greater Gliders and may need to wait until the forests regenerate before they can be released.

For now, Rex has a good home. He is eating well and staff are monitoring him for signs of stress or shock.

Please donate to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre Bushfire Appeal