A rare species of tree kangaroo has been bred for the first time in captivity in the Tropical North. The Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary is one of two Zoos in the world that houses the Lumholtz's tree kangaroo which is native to the region. The 6-month old joey stuck its head out of its mother's pouch to survey the world. It will stay in its mother's pouch for another four months.
The Rainforest Habitat Curator Terry Carmichael said there had been a breeding colony in Townsville for more than 20 years but this has since been disbanded. "This is the successful culmination of 11-years work, so we are extremely excited and proud about the birth, and the wildlife keepers here at the Habitat have done an exceptional job to successfully breed this rare species," he said.
"One of only two species found in Australia, we hope the interest generated by this unique birth will promote awareness in the community and develop understanding of the plight of the LumHoltz's Tree Kangaroo in the wild." The tree kangaroo joey is yet to be named, and the Rainforest Habitat will be holding a competition some time in the near future.
The Rainforest Habitat Curator Terry Carmichael said there had been a breeding colony in Townsville for more than 20 years but this has since been disbanded. "This is the successful culmination of 11-years work, so we are extremely excited and proud about the birth, and the wildlife keepers here at the Habitat have done an exceptional job to successfully breed this rare species," he said.
"One of only two species found in Australia, we hope the interest generated by this unique birth will promote awareness in the community and develop understanding of the plight of the LumHoltz's Tree Kangaroo in the wild." The tree kangaroo joey is yet to be named, and the Rainforest Habitat will be holding a competition some time in the near future.
