PREVIEW

Zookeepers in Australia have conducted pouch checks on a group of wallabies and discovered six adorable joeys.

The conservation organisation Aussie Ark carried out their annual checks of the endangered Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies at their enclosures in the Barrington Tops' Ark facility.

Aussie Ark Wildlife Ranger Riley Tydeman led the team, accompanied by Operations Manager Dean Reid, with support from staff at partner organisation Symbio Wildlife Park.

"The health check includes weighing each animal and assessing body condition, teeth, and feet," Mr. Tydeman said. "But the most exciting thing is checking the females’ pouches."

One young female caught the team's particular interest. In October 2023, she and her sister were introduced to a male for the first time.

"Fingers crossed the females liked the male," Mr. Tydeman said. "And there’s only one way to find out!"

Tydeman was delighted to open the tiny pouch and discover new life inside.

"It was wonderful to see the tiny jelly-bean-sized joey!" Mr. Tydeman said. "It’s always satisfying to get pairing right between males and females, and to have breeding success."

Breeding success is crucial for the species, which faces imminent extinction in the wild due to habitat loss and feral predation.

It is now regarded as Australia’s most vulnerable wallaby, and Aussie Ark’s breeding and rewilding program is a nationally significant safeguard.

It's hoped these joeys will one day be released back into the wild to bolster the population.