Updated 16 April 2003, 19.11

A baby wallaby looks out of its mum's pouch

			Fact File
	Wallabies
		Group of wallabies called a mob
		They are marsupials
		Look like small kangaroos
		Carry their young, called joeys, in pouches
		Eat mostly grass, leaves and seeds
		45 species of kangaroos and wallabies

So 23-year-old keeper, Beverley Allen decided she would take care of Kimberley herself.

Size of baked bean

At birth Kimberley weighed just 20 grams, or less than one ounce and was about the size of a baked bean.

But she has grown bigger and more lively.

Beverly said: "At first it felt strange to be carrying this rucksack around wherever I went, but after a while you do get used to it and I hardly notice the extra weight now."

Bottle-feed

Beverley has to bottle-feed Kimberley every three hours, day and night.

She has to keep up the role of mum for up to 10 months until Kimberley is strong enough to join the rest of the wallabies at the park.

Red-necked wallabies are originally from Tasmania and eastern Australia.

Watch/Listen

Hear story

More Info

Endangered animals guide

Talk about animals

Past Stories
	Wallaby returns after two-month escape
	Park loses second escapee animal in a month
	Police chase law-breaking wallaby
	Clothes pegs help save baby wallaby