Sugar gliders suffer severe distress when kept alone

Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are highly social marsupials that live in colonies of six to thirty individuals in the wild. They rely on constant grooming, play, vocalising and shared vigilance for emotional and physical health.

When isolated, they can develop extreme behavioural problems such as self‑mutilation, chronic aggression, prolonged sleeping, depression and loss of appetite. The stress also weakens their immune system, shortens lifespan and can lead to serious physical illness. Keeping a sugar glider without a companion therefore poses significant welfare concerns.

The species is native to Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia, and legal considerations often require owners to provide adequate social interaction to meet animal‑wellness standards.