Parma Wallaby


In the Wild:

The Parma Wallaby is a shy creature and the smallest of the genus Macropus. At between 3.2 and 5.8kg, they weigh less than one-tenth the size of the largest surviving member of that genus, the red kangaroo. Typically solitary but may feed in groups of 2-3. It is mainly nocturnal, sheltering in thick shrub during the day, and emerging from cover shortly before dusk to graze in the forest clearings. Females usually produce one infant. The young become independent from the mother, permanently leaving the pouch at seven months of age.

Conservation Status:

Thought to be extinct, the Parma Wallaby was rediscovered on mainland Australia in 1967.

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Quick Facts

  • Lifespan: 6 - 8 years in wild, 11-15 years in captivity.
  • Distribution: Endemic to Australia, New South Wales, Feral population - Kawau Island New Zealand
  • Habitat: Wet sclerophyll forest, grassy with dense scrubby understory areas.

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

  • First Arlesey scout group was very fortunate to have Pete and Lainie from Shepreth Wildlife Park organise an outreach session for the beaver group as part of their animal friend badge. Pete and Lainie’s enthusiasm for nature and child centered approach along with their amazing animals kept a group of 30+, 6-10 years old, engaged for a whole hour. We would be more than delighted to have Pete and Lainie come back and teach our group in the near future and will arrange another trip to Shepreth. I would recommend this type of session to any scout group that wishes to incorporate some wildlife into their programme.

  • The children enjoyed and appreciated all you and your colleagues did – they gave us a lot of helpful and constructive information. Your classroom is looking great – you have created such a lovely inviting place for the children. I filled in a visitors questionnaire today because it was so nice to visit again. Shepreth is a lovely place to be, without trying to sell itself or have that ‘glossy commercial’ look that so many attractions have these days. Its just a very genuine place quietly getting on with lots of good work and, I am sure, creating a very loyal following among all who encounter it – in short, a rare treasure!

  • I thoroughly recommend the outreach programme. The presence of live animals in the classroom inspired my students and helped their understanding of many parts of the science national curriculum. The interpretation officers are informative and very knowledgeable. They pitched their presentation at the appropriate level, encouraging students to ask many questions and were happy to discuss my needs before the talk to ensure its relevance to my class. The whole event was a very easy way to organise a really exciting experience.

  • I just want to say a huge THANK YOU for a wonderful experience that my family enjoyed yesterday at Shepreth.

    Despite the unfortunately changeable weather on Saturday my partner and I along with our 3 children (aged 3,6 and 9) had a most enjoyable day. There was so much to see, do, stroke, learn about, play on, etc that we didn’t want to leave!

    However the icing on the cake for all of us was when we went into Bug City where we met a charming and informative keeper who showed us some of the animals and answered lots of questions from my inquisitive 9 year old about spiders, lizards, snakes and scorpions.

    Please pass on our gratitude to all your friendly staff as it was so nice to take my family somewhere that catered for all ages and where the staff clearly are enjoying what they do and not forgetting all the animals that are so well looked after and cared about.

    Looking forward to visiting again when we can – please keep up the great work!

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