Zoo visitors are being introduced to a wallaby joey that has popped its head out of the pouch ready for spring.
Exmoor Zoo said visitors were more likely to see the head at this stage as the joey was starting to grow bigger until they were eventually afoot – a term used by keepers when they will not stay in the pouch.
Trainee keeper Riley has cared for the red-necked Wallabies, also known as Bennett’s wallabies, since he started at the zoo in September.
He said: “Spotting the joeys is great, we have one which is further along in age as it has more fur on its head and one that is pinkie brown, so it’s a bit younger.”
Zoo director Danny Reynolds said it could get quite hot in the pouches so from time to time keepers could see tails and feet also sticking out so the wallaby could cool down.
He said: “Like most marsupials they are dependant on the milk mum produces for up to a year, but as they get older and venture out the pouch they start to eat more solids and drink less milk.”
Red-necked wallabies have a short gestation period of about 28 to 30 days.
The joey stays in the pouch for up to nine months as it grows.
