Pictured above: Royal connections - the first baby of the
year at West Midland Safari Park
There's one little new arrival at West Midland Safari Park who
couldn't wait until spring before showing its face.
Despite being born at the start of the winter and enduring the
coldest December since records began, the Park's first baby of the
year - a baby wallaby (or Joey as they are known) seems perfectly
content to explore the White Wallaby reserve from the warmth of
Mum's pouch.
It is quite usual for staff at West Midland Safari Park to
welcome an influx of youngsters from February onwards, but the
first wallaby baby of the year has certainly appeared much earlier
than anticipated given the intense cold weather.
Bob Lawrence, the Park's Director of Wildlife said, "It is
likely that the wallaby was born early November hidden from view
and thriving in Mum's pouch. It is certainly unusual to see a
Joey this early in the year, given that it has been such a harsh
winter with temperatures in the animal reserves reaching as low as
-19 degrees".
Native of a much warmer climate, the mob of 23 adult White
Bennett's Wallabies at the Park have a royal connection. They have
descended from the original white wallabies that were given as a
gift to Queen Elizabeth II whilst on a state visit to Australia in
1962.
The latest White Wallaby baby at West Midland Safari Park can be
seen in the White Wallaby reserve that forms part of the four-mile
self-drive safari.
The Animal Reserves and Discovery Trail at West Midland Safari
Park are now open every weekend in winter until Sunday 13th
February 2011. The Park and Amusement Area will open daily from
Saturday 19th February 2011. Further information from 01299
402114.