Wallaby Joey Springs to Life at Detroit Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: May 6, 2021 11:30 am

A wallaby joey born last October pokes its head out of mom’s pouch at the Detroit Zoo

Photo Credit: Detroit Zoo

A red-necked wallaby joey has emerged at Detroit Zoo and can now be seen poking its head out of mom’s pouch.

Mother Eloise gave birth last October but at that time the joey would of been the size of a jellybean with no fur. Since then it has been tucked away in her pouch suckling on milk and growing in size.

This week keepers got their first glimpse of the joey as keeper Elizabeth Arbaugh, curator of mammals for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). explained, “Joeys don’t start getting fur until about six months. Now that there is a fine layer of fur, the joey is starting to venture out.”

A wallaby joey born last October pokes its head out of mom’s pouch at the Detroit Zoo

Photo Credit: Detroit Zoo

“This is Eloise’s first joey. She’s very protective.” added Arbaugh.

The as yet-unnamed joey is the first to be born at the Detroit Zoo since 2010. It can now be seen in the Australian Outback Adventure habitat which is shared with other wallabies ad red kangaroos.

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Keepers will be able to determine the gender of and name the joey once it has fully emerged from the pouch.

Guests of the Detroit Zoo may be able to meet the joey in the Australian Outback Adventure. This habitat allows guests to travel a winding path within the exhibit.