The latest joey from the environmentally vulnerable species of Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo has just emerged from its mother’s pouch at The Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary in Port Douglas just in time to join in the celebrations of the Park’s 21st birthday.  

The male Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo joey, which has been provisionally named “21”, is about 8 months old, and is a welcome sibling to his three-year old sister Demi.  The Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary is one of only two wildlife parks in the world to house these rare species, which is native to the region. 

The Rainforest Habitat Curator Terry Carmichael said “21” is very important for the sanctuary’s breeding program as he is unrelated to the two other breeding age females in the collection. 

“I do feel for the young man, as he has a lot of weight on his very small shoulders already, particularly as he won’t be at breeding age for another 3 years,” he said.  “The goal of our tree kangaroo breeding program is to increase the genetic diversity in the colony while increasing numbers.”

“Furthermore, we have an essential role to increase the awareness of rare animals such as this amongst the community. I have met local people who have not seen or let alone even heard of a Tree Kangaroo before, so we take our role as advocates for wildlife very seriously.”

The Rainforest Habitat is holding a naming competition for the joey, with the winner announced at a celebratory “Brunch with the Birds” Bash on Sunday 23rd May, as part of this year’s Carnivale celebrations.

To register your idea for it's name simply visit Rainforest Habitat    and follow the prompts.

Situated just as you turn into Port Douglas, The Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary is Australia’s leading wildlife experience, providing visitors with a chance to observe up close a huge range of flora and fauna. To find out more about the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo or any of the other animals and birds at the habitat just click here to visit Rainforest Habitat