Working Together to Protect Endangered

Species

May 21st marks World Tree Kangaroo Day! This day was created in honor of our favorite arboreal marsupials to raise awareness of tree kangaroos and rally support for conservation organizations assisting local community groups to save tree kangaroos and their natural habitats.

There are 14 species of tree kangaroo found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea, the Indonesian Province of West Papua, and Australia.

Your Roger Williams Park Zoo is home to four Matschie’s tree kangaroos –Keweng, Paia, La Roo and Morobe. Matschie’s tree kangaroos live only on the Huon Peninsula of Papua New Guinea.

Native to the area’s mountainous rainforests, this mighty mammal is recognizable by its deep red and cream coloring. Their unique reddish hue comes from the tannins in the leaves they chew. Because their diet consists mostly of fruits, seeds, and nuts, they’re primary seed dispersers and contribute to creating and maintaining healthy forests.

These amazing animals use their powerful limbs, curved claws, and long tails to climb through treetops. Despite their impressive abilities, they spend 60% of their time sleeping.

Matschie’s tree kangaroos are an endangered species with an estimated wild population of less than 2,500 individuals. Your RWPZoo is a proud partner with the AZA Tree Kangaroo Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding program, Tree Kangaroo SAFE Program, and the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program. These initiatives work to contribute to the conservation of tree kangaroos in the wild and support the local communities where the species live in Papua New Guinea.

Want to learn more?

Check out these great organizations committed to Tree Kangaroo Conservation in Papua New Guinea:

• Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program Committed to working with local communities to save Matschie’s tree kangaroos through support of the YUS Protected Area. Supports community livelihoods through conservation coffee and chocolate initiatives.

• Port Moresby Nature Park - Papua New Guinea’s only welfare accredited zoo providing the only tree kangaroo rescue services to animals that have been poached from the wild. Also runs breeding programs for Matschie’s and Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroos.