Common Name: Red-necked wallaby
Scientific Name: Macropus rufogriseus
Conservation Status: Least Concern
At the zoo: Fidget (female, 5y), Lou (male, 6y), Willaby (female, 7y), Sydney (female, 3y), Cricket (male, 2y), Taz (male, 2y), Spinner (male, 1y) and Jade (female, 1y). They live with our kangaroos in our new Wallaby Walkthrough exhibit across from the capybara towards the center of the zoo. Try to spot our cute spring joeys Twitch and Topaz, carried by Fidget and Jade!
Habitat:
Red-Necked Wallabies are found on the east coast of Australia and on Tasmania.
Diet:
They feed on grasses, herbs, and juicy roots.
Median Life Expectancy:
5 - 15 years
Biology:
Red-necked Wallabies are a small member of the kangaroo family named for the reddish shade of colour seen on the fur of their neck and shoulders. Baby joeys live in their mother’s pouch for an average of 280 days from birth. Once they have gained independence, female offspring will remain in their mother’s territory throughout their lives, whereas males will find a new territory after an average of two years.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that wallabies cool themselves by licking their hands and forearms?!
