April 19, 2024 3:20 a.m. 

Wildlife Safari has announced the birth of a Wallaroo joey in the Australia walkabout section of the Wildlife Safari Village.

A Safari release said born to proud mother Kari, in July of 2023, the addition marks another milestone in the park’s commitment to wildlife conservation and education.

At birth, Wallaroo joeys are less than 1 inch long and will spend up to 270 days safely nestled in their mother’s pouch. This protective environment provides essential warmth and nourishment crucial for their early development.

Wildlife Safari Curator, Dan Brands said “An interesting fact is that the joey crawls from the birth canal into the pouch on its own. At just the size of a jelly bean, it follows a trail of the mother’s saliva, using scent to navigate to the pouch since its eyes are not fully developed”.

The release said at around six months of age, they begin making short trips out of the pouch, gradually learning their environment and becoming more independent. By around nine months, they are permanently out of the pouch, exploring the world around them under their mother’s watchful eye. This joey is now around nine months old and can be seen regularly exploring its habitat and making friends with its fellow wallaroos. Its sex is currently unknown but keepers are working to build a bond with the joey in order to provide a comforting presence, which will allow them to make this determination.

Village Supervisor Rachel Mohlman said, “We are overjoyed to welcome this new joey to our Wildlife Safari family”. Mohlman said, “Now that the joey is out of the pouch, we are excited to see how its personality grows”.

For more information about Wildlife Safari and to plan a visit to see the newest member of the Wallaroo family, go to: www.wildlifesafari.net