Denver Zoo Welcomes First Joey in New Down Under Habitat
The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance has announced the birth of its first red-necked wallaby joey in the newly opened Down Under habitat. Proud parents Adelaide and Cricket welcomed their baby on September 1, 2024, marking an exciting milestone for the exhibit, which opened in May 2024.
The Down Under habitat showcases native Australian species, including red kangaroos, wallabies, Huon tree kangaroos, and Southern cassowaries. It features a unique immersive pathway where guests can get up close to the animals.
For now, the tiny joey is nestled in Adelaide’s pouch, a marsupial adaptation that allows it to grow safely from the size of a jellybean into a fully developed wallaby. Denver Zoo’s animal care specialists report that mom and baby are healthy, and the joey has been spotted peeking out of the pouch, a sign of growing curiosity. In the coming months, the baby will begin exploring outside before permanently leaving the pouch.
Visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the joey at Wallaby Way should plan ahead, as the zoo will be closed for water main repairs on select days in February and March.