Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo follows in mum’s footsteps

Just in time for today’s World Tree Kangaroo Day [Sunday May 21], Ori has followed Mum, Mani [pronounced Ma-knee], hopping on to a set of scales to be weighed by keepers.   

The 17-month-old has been making great strides in her training, learning from Mum, with a reward of her favourite foods: avocado, sweet potato and carrot. 

Mammal Keeper Katherine Sarris said Ori follows wherever her mum ventures.  

“We use a verbal and visual cue specifically for weighing and, if the tree ‘roos choose to hop up on scales, then they receive their favourite food as positive reinforcement,” Ms Sarris said.  

This is just the beginning of Ori’s training. As a young Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo, Ori is part of a global species management plan for the endangered species. When she is old enough, Ori will receive training for voluntary medical checks and crate training in preparation for a transfer to another zoo, where she can, hopefully, one day start of family of her own.  

Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroos are native to Papua New Guinea and are listed as Endangered with a decreasing population on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Threats to this species include loss of habitat and hunting. Two species of tree kangaroo are native to Far North Queensland - the Bennett’s tree-kangaroo and the Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo. 

A partnership between Zoos Victoria and Genovese Coffee is helping tree kangaroos in the wild. Coffee for Wildlife supports shade-grown beans that allow richer flavors, protects precious habitats, and supports local conservation projects. More information at zoo.org.au/coffee  

World Tree Kangaroo Day celebrates this arboreal mammal while raising awareness of biodiversity. Healesville Sanctuary visitors can learn more about this species during a keeper talk at 11:15am and 2:30pm this weekend.  

Zoos Victoria and Healesville Sanctuary visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au. Zoos Victoria Members no longer need to book but are required to scan their Membership card to gain entry.