Zoo prepares for arrival of storm-hit wallabies

A Devon zoo is preparing to welcome two red-necked wallabies to its mob, after their previous enclosures at an animal park were damaged by a storm.

Paignton Zoo said the two "bouncing" young males, Stripe and Pretty Boy, were being moved from Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park after Storm Darragh caused damage in December.

Mammals keeper Kaitlyn Lewin said the animals were awaiting pre-import checks but were due to arrive soon.

The zoo said the animals would form part of its wallaby walkthrough experience, which was due to reopen after it closed in 2020.

It said the walkthrough was due to reopen in time for February half term.

Ms Lewin said: "We are excited to have them. We currently hold five red-necked wallabies and three swamp wallabies."

The zoo said red-necked wallabies were generally larger than swamp wallabies, and have a slightly different hopping style.

Sam Gray, team leader of mammals at the zoo, said: "We are told Stripe and Pretty Boy have wonderful personalities – they're curious, confident, and will be great additions to our wallaby mob.

"They are a tremendous asset to the zoo."

Louisa Johnson, head keeper at Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, said the young wallabies were offspring from its female group.

"We're pleased they've found such a wonderful new home at Paignton Zoo where they'll be part of an exciting visitor experience," she said.

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