Future of a Species

Meet Brush-tailed Wallaby Joeys Rocko and Spunky

 

Hopping towards a brighter future…

When Brush-tailed Rock wallaby brothers Rocko and Spunky hopped into the world at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, they gave new hope to their species.

Part of the Brush-tailed Rock wallaby captive breeding program, they are the first joeys of their kind to be born at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in ten years!

Keepers say this is a sign that the Sanctuary’s Brush-tailed Rock wallaby population is in good condition and that husbandry and care are high.

Rocko and Spunky, who are 18 and 12 months old respectively, were named after characters on the children’s TV show Rocko’s Modern Life. Visitors can meet them in their purpose-built walk-through enclosure.

Challenges and changes…

Brush-tailed Rock wallaby conservation is overseen by the Zoo and Aquarium Association, who ensures the species is managed correctly and genetics remain strong for the species’ future survival.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has an ongoing commitment to the conservation of Brush-tailed Rock wallabies and has participated in the captive breeding program since 2008, with a purpose-built breeding facility on site.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has played different roles in the program over the years, housing a group of bachelor Rock wallabies, as well as accommodating breeding couples. Good pairings are difficult to find, but it’s hoped that Rocko and Spunky’s mum and dad will produce more joeys in the coming years.

Meet Rocko and Spunky…

Come and visit Rocko and Spunky in their walk-through enclosure. They are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

Mammal Supervisor Sarah Eccleston says, They are affectionately referred to as The Shadow! They are so agile and athletic - now you see them, now you don’t! They also use their beautiful brush tail to help them maneuver and balance in the harsh rock outcrops they call home.

A vulnerable species…

Brush-tailed Rock wallabies are listed as vulnerable nationally and their numbers are currently in decline. The 2019-20 bushfire crisis was devastating to a species already threatened by habitat loss and predation.

These cute and agile mammals are primarily found along the Great Dividing Range. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has previously released one of their captive-bred wallabies, in the hopes of increasing and diversifying the wild population.

 

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary remains committed to Brush-tailed Rock wallaby conservation. You can support conservation efforts to ensure this beautiful, native species can be enjoyed for generations to come.