Woodland Park Zoo Introduce Matschie's Tree Kangaroo Joeys

Woodland Park Zoo are marking World Tree Kangaroo Day on May 21st by introducing the two latest additions to their matschie's tree kangaroo family. The two joeys were born in August 2022 but until recently have been tucked away in the safety of their mother's pouch.

Females Elanna, 15, and Omari, 14, gave birth to the as yet unnnamed joeys. Both were fathered by male Rocket, 9.

The arrival of the joeys is exciting because earlier this month the zoo broke ground on their new habitat. For now the Matschie's tree kangaroo family are off display but in 2026 guests will be able to view the species for the first time in over a decade. The immersive new area known as Forests Trailhead will be home to kea, red pandas and forest reptiles.

The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP) is a signature program of Woodland Park Zoo. Working alongside communities in Papua New Guinea the program seeks to benefit local communities through supporting education, health and livelihoods programs. 

Tree kangaroos are threatened by habitat loss, predation and vehicle strikes.

There are 14 species of tree kangaroo found across  three countries: Papua New Guinea, Indonesia (the Province of West Papua) and Australia. Papua New Guinea is the stronghold of the species with six species found exclusively in the country and three species spread across PNG and West Papua.