One of the reasons the name was chosen eight years ago for this local wildlife sanctuary was to highlight the value of this amazing little native marsupial and as a symbol for the importance of protecting our unique environment.

The vulnerable long-nosed potoroo (potorous tridactylus) is an endearing little creature, with fur varying from dark red-brown to dark grey, paler on the underside and with a long, pointed nose, bare skinned above the nostrils. 

The tail usually has a white tip. 

Their most popular choice of food is truffles, the fruit of underground fungi. 

They also eat seeds, roots, bulbs and insects. 

The potoroo spreads fungi spores throughout the forest in its droppings to new places in which they can grow. 

In addition to this spore dispersal, potoroos also help many trees and shrubs that have a symbiotic, mycorrhizal relationship with fungi, where the fungus benefits plants by increasing their ability to capture water and nutrients. 

Therefore, potoroos in fact play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the Australian natural environment.

 There are currently 17 adult long-nosed potoroos residing at Potoroo Palace and they can be seen in several different locations within the park. 

There are three visible in the Woodland Aviary, sharing the space with two bettongs, and it is most interesting to see the two species together and to try to spot the differences. 

There have frequently been potoroo babies (known as joeys) born at Potoroo Palace over the years.

Four have been promised to Chris Humfrey for his Wild Action Zoo in Macedon, Victoria, to prevent any inbreeding and assist with expansion of the gene pool. 

Three babies can now be viewed each in different enclosures and adapting to their new life at the palace!