Parma Wallabies arrive at South Yorkshire's Tropical Butterfly House

The Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre have announced two new animal arrivals. A male and female pair of Parma Wallabies moved into their enclosure last month and are said to be settling in well to their new home.

These animals are found along the east coast of Australia, so Animal Keepers at the popular wildlife attraction have named the Wallabies ‘Jason’ and ‘Kylie’ after the famous Australian pop duo. At nine months old, they are almost fully grown and, although similar in appearance to kangaroos, are much smaller at about one tenth the size of the Red Kangaroo.

Parma Wallabies are near threatened in the wild and were thought to be extinct until 1965, when a small population was found near to Auckland, Australia. As marsupials, Parma Wallabies carry their young in pouches until they are developed enough to leave. Their habitat is generally forest; usually spending their day hidden amongst thick scrub and venturing out at night to feed on herbs and grasses.

Zoo Curator and Manager, Andrew Reeve, said about the new additions, “The Parma Wallabies have proved to be very popular with visitors already. Guests equally enjoy watching the pair relaxing, often sprawled out to sunbathe, or seeing the two-footed hop these animals are famous for! “

The centre attracts around one hundred thousand visitors every year and is becoming increasingly popular as a result of new animal arrivals, a unique outdoor play park and the spectacular free-flying bird shows that take place twice daily.