Yellow-Footed Wallaby Born in Israel, Boosting Endangered Species Program

A rare yellow-footed wallaby, a species native to Australia and endangered, has been born at the "Gan Guru" zoo in Israel, marking a significant success for international breeding programs.

Mai and Philip, a pair of yellow-footed wallabies imported from France five years ago, became parents recently with the birth of their first joey. Zoo staff initially had difficulty spotting the newborn, but about a month ago, the joey became noticeable enough to confirm its presence.

The yellow-footed wallaby is listed as endangered, with only a few thousand estimated to remain in Australia. The European breeding program, under which Mai and Philip were managed, aims to maintain a genetically and demographically stable population in zoos for long-term species preservation. "Every successful breeding of such a species is significant, especially with a relatively new pair that is still acclimatizing," explained Ariela Ziv, the head keeper at the zoo.

Zoo caretakers had initially suspected the couple might have fertility issues, despite observing courtship behaviors. "We waited and waited and waited. A wallaby's gestation is very short, about a month. After three and a half years, we took both to a veterinarian who specializes in fertility. Everything was normal," Ziv recounted. The breakthrough came when a keeper noticed Mai tending to her pouch. "We told ourselves there's no way. It's probably nothing. But a month later, we actually saw a leg sticking out. Two weeks after the leg, we saw a head. Only after it came out of the pouch did we understand it was a healthy, whole joey."

Ziv emphasized the global importance of this birth, stating, "When it comes to endangered species, every joey born is much more than a happy event. It is part of a global effort to preserve this species for future generations." She added that raising yellow-footed wallabies in captivity is complex due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, disturbances, and stress, requiring precise habitat conditions, tailored nutrition, and careful behavioral dynamics. The joey is estimated to be about four months old and remains dependent on its mother for nourishment, protection, and regulation while developing within her pouch.