The Australian Reptile Park’s quokka joey ventures outside of pouch
THE FIRST quokka joey to be born at the Australian Reptile Park has ventured outside of her mother’s pouch for the first time.
Cinnamon was first spotted in her mother Coco’s pouch back in early August.
The park said that in the first year of their arrival they spotted Coco and the joeys father, Basil getting friendly and were hopeful that the union would deliver a nice surprise.
Tim Faulkner, the park’s General manager said that this was a chance to draw attention to conservation efforts directed at the quokka.
“The quokka’s notoriety worldwide is important as quokkas have reduced in great numbers in South Western Australia due to feral animals like foxes and cats. Their strong hold is Rottnest Island where it is a protected species,” he said.
“Quokkas are currently listed as “vulnerable,” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This is why The Australian Reptile Park is proud that these quokkas are a part of a nation-wide captive breeding program to help boost the population of quokkas.”
It’s been a successful year for the Australian Reptile Park’s breeding program that welcomed a trio of baby sugar gliders, Tiny, Beyonce and Lemonade and a group of 12 eastern quolls only two months ago.
Coco and her new joey will be on display during the school holidays.
(Image Credit: The Australian Reptile Park)
READ MORE:
