Rare Tree Kangaroo Joey Makes First Pouch Exit at Chester Zoo

Overview

• The joey is a healthy male born to Kitawa and Kayjo as part of an international conservation breeding programme.
• Keepers used tiny endoscopic cameras to confirm pregnancy and track development inside the pouch, with footage recorded between October and December.
• On‑site hormone monitoring in the zoo’s laboratory pinpointed the optimal time to pair the parents, a facility described as unique at a European zoo.
• This marks only the second successful breeding of Goodfellow’s tree kangaroos at Chester Zoo, and just two UK zoos care for the species.
• Classed as endangered and native to Papua New Guinea, the species faces hunting and habitat loss; the joey now weighs about 1.85 kg and will receive a name influenced by PNG communities.