Fury friends arrive at wildlife habitat



Published Wednesday 23 March 2016

THE Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas has welcomed two new fury friends to its family just in time for Easter.

They've introduced a baby Lumholtz’s Tree-Kangaroo and a Mahogany Glider 'Lily' to the park with the latter an especially special addition given its currently on the endangered species list.

The Wildlife Habitat is assisting with the management of the under-threat Glider through a collaborative program with Zoo Aquarium Association (ZAA) institutions, with the population management program aiming to sustain the species in captivity to ensure its ongoing survival.

“We have been involved with the ZAA program since 2009 and have successfully raised six Mahogany Glider babies, and also become an official part of the breeding program," Clare Anderson, Wildlife Habitat General Manager, said.

The female Lumholtz’s Tree-Kangaroo has only just emerged from the pouch, with the Wildlife Habitat one of only two zoo's worldwide where the vulnerable animal can be found.

“Lumholtz’s Tree-Kangaroos are found in only a small area of Tropical North Queensland and their greatest threats consist of deforestation, habitat fragmentation, feral and introduced predators such as dogs and being hit by vehicles, ” said Rabecca Lynch, who is the Wildlife Supervisor at the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas.

“Public can help these animals by ensuring they lock up or secure their pets at night time and drive carefully through known habitat. Small things can sometimes make a big difference.”

The joey joins the three other Lumholtz’s Tree-Kangaroos in the park, two of whom were rescued through Tree Roo Rescue and Conservation Centre (TRRACC) in Malanda, after being injured in the wild.

The Wildlife Habitat will be running a competition to name the joey with entry details to be announced in the park and on Facebook.