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...

  • 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 am writing on behalf of all at South Cambridgeshire Branch of Friends of Chernobyl’s Children to thank you for allowing our new group of children to visit Shepreth Wildlife Park yesterday.

    Our chaperones for the day said how helpful your staff were in every way and that they spent a lot of time with the children showing them how to handle the animals and playing interactive games with them.

    We really appreciate the fact that you have supported us every year for the last five years and twice this year, allowing both our summer group and autumn group to visit. In times of financial uncertainty it is becoming increasingly difficult for us to raise funds and so we really appreciate being able to not only come to the park and use all of your facilities, free of charge, but also that you provided lunch for the group, drinks and ice creams.

    The children also loved the gift bags you gave them.

    I visited Belarus in March to help select these children for our new programme and the situations they were all living in were very sad. This really special day and has given the children some lovely memories to take home with them. I know they will be looking forward to their visit next year.

    Once again, thank you all so much for your support.

  • 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.

  • Please pass on a huge thankyou to Lainie who spent time with flynn today showing him the education room, the small insects and rats, and especially the time she spent showing him the tigers which were his worst fear!

    Shepreth Wildlife park – thank you soo much you are brilliant! Would recommend to anyone!

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