BABY BULLETIN: DZCA Welcomes Endangered Huon Tree Kangaroo Joey

Hopping Into New Hope

Born in late July 2025, the male joey is the first offspring of Pearl and Tristan, first-time parents who arrived at DZCA in 2023 as part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation. Their pairing supports a collaborative effort among accredited zoos to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population of Huon tree kangaroos in human care.

Native to the mountainous rainforests of Papua New Guinea, Huon tree kangaroos are uniquely adapted for life in the trees, using their powerful forelimbs and long tails to climb and balance. Habitat loss and hunting pressures have caused their wild populations to decline, making every birth an important conservation success.

“Our little joey is doing well; we’ve been seeing him peek out more and more in the last week just checking things out! Tristan and Pearl are first-time parents and this is the first tree kangaroo joey for our Zoo, so we are absolutely over the moon with excitement! Born late July 2025, the joey is about six months old and will continue to hang out in mom’s pouch for another couple of months before he’s big enough to start exploring on his own.” – Thea McCormack, Animal Care Specialist – Australasia

Caring for a Jellybean-Sized Joey Behind the Scenes

Like all marsupials, Huon tree kangaroo joeys are born extremely underdeveloped—about the size of a jellybean. Immediately after birth, the tiny joey instinctively climbs into its mother’s pouch, where it will continue to grow and develop for several months before leaving the pouch for good.

For much of the joey’s early life, all the action happens out of sight. Over the past few months, our Down Under Animal Care team has been carefully monitoring the joey’s development using voluntary pouch-check training with Pearl and a specialized scope. These gentle, cooperative behaviors allow our care team to track growth and milestones without causing stress to mom or baby.

Next Steps for This Little One

Now that this little joey is starting to make his presence known, DZCA staff have seen him wiggling in Pearl’s pouch and peeking out more often, a sign that he’s becoming stronger and more curious. In the coming months, he’ll start taking short trips outside the pouch before eventually venturing out on his own for good.

Guests may be able to catch a glimpse of this exciting new arrival during your next visit to the Zoo. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, each peek offers a rare look at one of the world’s most elusive marsupials and an adorable reminder of the conservation work happening every day at DZCA.