What is significant about the Goodfellow's tree kangaroo birth at Chester Zoo?

The birth is significant because it is a rare event for an endangered species, and "pouch-cams" provided unprecedented insights into the joey's development, aiding conservation efforts.

What threats do Goodfellow's tree kangaroos face?

Goodfellow's tree kangaroos face threats from habitat loss due to logging and agriculture, as well as hunting for meat and fur.

How can the public help protect Goodfellow's tree kangaroos?

The public can help by buying certified sustainable FSC wood and paper products, and RSPO-certified palm oil to reduce deforestation.

Home / Environment / Endangered Joey's Start in Life Filmed

Endangered Joey's Start in Life Filmed

29 Jan

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Summary

A rare Goodfellow's tree kangaroo joey was born at Chester Zoo.
Pouch-cams provided unprecedented insight into the joey's development.
Conservation efforts aim to combat habitat loss and hunting threats.

A tiny male Goodfellow's tree kangaroo joey, born in the fall of 2025 at Chester Zoo, represents a vital success for a global conservation breeding program. This endangered marsupial's birth is the second at the zoo, with parents Kitawa and Kayjo welcoming the joey. Zookeepers utilized advanced hormone analysis to facilitate the mating, and innovative "pouch-cams" provided unprecedented views of the newborn's development.

These endoscopic cameras allowed conservationists to study the joey's growth, offering valuable data to enhance future breeding programs for this rarely-studied species. The joey, weighing 4.1 pounds by mid-January 2026, is now visible to visitors. The zoo plans to name the joey after communities in Papua New Guinea dedicated to protecting its forest habitat.

Goodfellow's tree kangaroos, native to New Guinea and Australia's Queensland, are threatened by deforestation, logging, and hunting. Conservation efforts include international breeding programs and public support for sustainable sourcing of wood and palm oil. These initiatives aim to protect the species from extinction.