A cuscus named Peanut…

One thing we missed about being in Ukarumpa was the opportunity to spend time having a cuppa with friends, and sometimes we even get to meet their interesting animals! Cuscuses are native marsupials, related to Australian koalas and North American opossums, and are found in most parts of PNG. Normally they live in trees, but occasionally orphaned ones show up in our fruit and veggie market for sale and become pets. As a biology teacher, Kathy always appreciates the opportunity to interact with local wildlife and get to know more about the species found in PNG and nowhere else. And this mountain cuscus (Phalanger carmelitae) was adorable!