HOPPING MAD FOR PAIGNTON ZOO’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED AUSSIE STARS

After much anticipation, three young, red-necked wallabies have bounded into their new Devon home, completing Paignton Zoo’s popular immersive marsupial experience. 

Stripe, Pretty Boy, and Buddy, the enthusiastic newcomers, have successfully made the journey from Combe Martin Wildlife Park to join the zoo’s existing wallaby population. The arrival of Stripe and Pretty Boy has been eagerly awaited by both staff and visitors, with Buddy being a delightful later addition, marking the final step in reopening the zoo’s Wallaby Walkthrough Experience. 

Kaitlyn Llewin, wallaby keeper at Paignton Zoo, commented: 

“We’re absolutely thrilled that Stripe, Pretty Boy, and Buddy have arrived safely and are already exploring their new surroundings. Their personalities are living up to expectations – they’re inquisitive, confident, and have integrated wonderfully with our existing group.” 

The immersive exhibit now hosts a diverse community of nine wallabies, featuring both red-necked and swamp wallabies. Visitors can observe these fascinating marsupials up close in a naturalistic setting that encourages natural behaviours as found in their native environment. 

Volunteer guides operate the walkthrough on selected days, providing educational commentary about wallaby behaviour, diet, and conservation efforts while balancing visitor experience with animal welfare considerations. 

The zoo recommends morning or late afternoon visits when the wallabies are typically most active. Their characteristic hopping movements and social interactions are more visible during these periods, offering visitors a more engaging glimpse into marsupial life. 

Wildlife attractions like the Wallaby Walkthrough Experience have become increasingly popular with visitors seeking close encounters with exotic species, while also raising awareness about habitat loss in the marsupials’ native Australia. 

Paignton Zoo, operating as part of the Wild Planet Trust conservation charity, continues to enhance its visitor attractions with immersive experiences like the wallaby walkthrough, generating vital funds through ticket sales that support their participation in international breeding programmes for endangered species. 

Visitors can now see Stripe, Pretty Boy, Buddy, and the entire wallaby mob during normal zoo opening hours when the walkthrough is operational. For the best experience, the zoo recommends visiting during morning or late afternoon hours when the wallabies tend to be most active. 

Visitors eager to meet the bouncing new additions can find further information and book tickets at www.paigntonzoo.org.uk, with the zoo recommending advance booking during peak periods to guarantee entry to this popular attraction.