TROPIQUARIA zoo at Washford Cross has just opened the third phase of its nocturnal house – a twilight zone for potoroos.

The rat-kangaroos, native to Australia, have been living outside but they were taken indoors for a short time during the floods of 2014.

And, said director Chris Moiser, that revealed that potoroos were “more than happy to live inside and had no problems with close contact with the public”.

Visitors will be able to walk over a bridge – the idea of head-keeper Jake Tyler – which adds to the floor space for the animals.

Their new home is in what used to be the zoo shop before it was moved into the old puppet theatre. The shop space was tried as an art gallery and trolley park, but then its potential as an indoor animal area was realised.

Chris said: “With global climate change advancing, our indoor exhibits seemed a good idea. We have now had the potoroos in for a week and it really seems to be working.”

For the full story, buy this week’s Free Press (October 18).