Earlier this week, Monk Park Farm faced a heartbreaking moment when one of our beloved wallabies had to be euthanised. However, in her pouch, we discovered a tiny five-month-old baby wallaby, now named Roo. Determined to give him the best chance of survival, our dedicated team, led by Farmer Mark and Farmer Lauren, has stepped in to hand-rear him with round-the-clock care.
Hand-rearing such a young wallaby is a delicate process, as joeys remain dependent on their mothers until they are around 12 months old. To replicate the warmth and security of his mother’s pouch, Roo has been given a special environment inside the farmhouse. Farmer Lauren carries him throughout the day in a modified pouch strapped to her front, mimicking the natural conditions he would have experienced with his mother. She even takes Roo with her while shopping and out and about in town, ensuring he receives the constant warmth and comfort he needs to thrive. Additionally, he is being fed a carefully formulated replacement milk every four hours to support his growth and development.
While his journey remains uncertain, the team at Monk Park Farm is doing everything possible to ensure Roo thrives. Visitors to the farm this February half-term may even spot Farmer Lauren carrying Roo as she continues to provide him with the close contact he needs.
To share his progress, Farmer Lauren is hosting regular Facebook Live updates on the Monk Park Farm Facebook page, allowing the public to follow Roo’s journey and cheer him on.
