A Matschie tree kangaroo pup poked its head out of its mother’s pouch, marking the debut of the first of its kind born at the Bronx Zoo (NYC) since 550.
The baby boy and his mother can now be seen in the zoo’s “JungleWorld” exhibit, with available times varying due to adaptation of the Breeding detailed amNY.
Households visiting Bronx Zoo have wonderful sight to see: Uncommon child tree kangaroo – Newsworldpress @ https://t.co/8EyX3Ay228 pic.twitter.com/bhGzXbte7R
— newsworldpress.com (@newsworldpress) April 29,
“This is an exciting birth for the Bronx Zoo and a unique opportunity for people to observe one of the most intriguing evolutionary adaptations of nature”, summed up Jim Breheny, director of the animal park.
“At this stage of development, Joey will spend a lot of time in his mommy’s bag with just his head out. As he matures, he will begin to explore his environment and begin to spend short periods of time out of the bag,” he detailed.
The birth is significant for this center because it marks successful participation in a cooperative breeding program administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA-accredited centers work in partnership with each other to successfully trade individual animals in order to maintain genetic diversity and demographic stability in their populations.
Kangaroos are marsupials, meaning they are born with incomplete development and end a large part of their gestation in their mother’s pouch. At birth, a Matschie pup is very small and immediately goes into its mother’s pouch to nurse and continue growing.
Tree kangaroos live among the branches in mountain forests, usually in elevations greater than 4,000 feet. An adult male weighs up to 30 pounds (13.6 kilos) and measures only about 30 inches (76 cms) long not including the tail.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Matschie tree kangaroo as endangered. It is estimated that there are less than 2 500 specimens left in the wild. They are threatened by habitat destruction, unsustainable hunting practices, and other human activities. This makes the successful birth of the Bronx Zoo’s tree kangaroo that much more exciting.
To see the new kangaroo and enjoy the other attractions the Bronx Zoo has to offer, check out the official website.
Last fall, after years of work by researchers, six Komodo dragons were born at the Bronx Zoo, the first time the species had been successfully bred in the history of that New York park.
An adorable addition has officially made its debut at the Bronx Zoo. https://t.co/liVLuclC6J— amNewYork (@amNewYork) April 29, 2022
