Longleat welcomes tiny Parma wallaby joey
Unusual reproductive phenomenon brings new arrival
Longleat in Wiltshire is celebrating it's latest addition- a tiny Parma wallaby joey, following an unusual reproductive phenomenon known as embryonic diapause, where an embryo pauses development until the mother can support a new joey.
The joey joins the estate's Wallaby Walkthrough in Family Farmyard, which opened in May, allowing visitors to get close to the friendly marsupials.
Gemma Short, Lead Keeper at Longleat, explained that the joey's father belongs to mum Kiara's previous home as three adult Parma wallabies joined from other collections only weeks ago.
“The Parmas are tiny and many guests think they are joeys; adults grow to around 50cm tall and will weigh between three and five kilograms. So you can imagine how tiny this one is.
“They are really friendly and will come quite close to guests when they visit the walkthrough. They are settling in well and have grown quite fond of our red necked wallabies.”
This year has seen a baby boom at Longleat, with other new arrivals including two tiger cubs, capybara twins, eight wolf pups, a red panda cub and flamingo chicks.
The joey hasn't been sexed or given a name yet, but visitors can enjoy watching it until the Wallaby Walkthrough temporarily closes at the start of October half term.