New Delhi: The birth of someone or something is always reason to celebrate, especially if it is a rare birth.
Perth zoo is currently in merry-making mode, because of the arrival of a rare, endangered Goodfellow's tree kangaroo joey – the first in thirty-six years!
The new baby tree kangaroo has been named Mian by the zoo staff. Although born six months ago, the size of a jellybean, the male joey made its first appearance recently, by emerging out of its mother's pouch.
A global matchmaking program which carries the hopes for the species’ survival, is responsible for Mian's birth.
The program mated Mian's mother Kaluli with a male tree kangaroo, called Huli, from Queensland last year after being identified as the best genetic match.
“The successful birth is not only a cause for celebration for Perth Zoo, but also a boost for the World Zoo Association global breeding program,” Australian fauna keeper Kerry Pickles said, as per the Herald Sun.
She further explained that, “Goodfellow’s tree kangaroos, which are native to Papua New Guinea, are so endangered that zoos around the world have banded together to co-ordinate breeding with the aim to reverse their decline.”
Watch the video below:
(Video courtesy: Liza Heinz)
