Rhode Island zoo announces birth of endangered kangaroo

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Officials have announced the birth of an endangered kangaroo native to Papua New Guinea at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence earlier this year.

Zoo Executive Director Jeremy Goodman says the Matschie’s tree kangaroo named Polly was one of just six in the species born in the United States during the past year as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ species survival program.

Polly was about an inch long when she was born on Feb. 11. She will remain in her mother’s pouch for a total of 10 months. Zoo officials say the first six months after birth is a critical period for the mother and child to bond.

There are fewer than 2,500 Matschie’s tree kangaroo surviving in the wild.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles