PADEMELONS POP UP AT SANCTUARY

A PAIR of precious, Red-Bellied Pademelons are settling in at Healesville Sanctuary, bouncing between grass tussocks and delighting visitors.

This robust marsupial was once found across south-east Australia; however, their population is now restricted to just Tasmania.

Healesville Sanctuary Pademelon Keeper Louise Tegg said it is the first time this species has called the Sanctuary home for a long time

“It’s exciting to have these animals here again. Healesville Sanctuary is the only Zoos Victoria property where you can get a glimpse of a Pademelon,” Ms Tegg said.

“The male pair are really enjoying their new home after receiving a full health check at the Australian Wildlife Health Centre.

“They are becoming bolder, and you’ll often see one of them relaxing by the pond within their big grassy habitat.

“We’re planning to have more Pademelons move in and join the mob. We have our fingers crossed for the possibility of breeding with females in the future.”

Visitors can see the Pademelons on the Woodlands Track. The best time of day to see them is first thing in the morning. Their favourite foods include native shrubs, carrots and corn.

Red-bellied Pademelons can be found extensively across Tasmania. Pademelons belong to the macropod family, which means they are related to Kangaroos and Wallabies. They live in dense vegetation and wet forests that provide shelter.

Threats to this species include, road traffic, loss of habitat and predation from introduced species. Pademelons don’t have great awareness of cars and are often victims of road traumarelated incidents. One way to minimise the risk of hitting wildlife, is to avoid driving at dusk and dawn when animals are more active.

Zoos Victoria and Healesville Sanctuary visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au

Zoos Victoria Members no longer need to book but are required to scan their Membership card to gain entry.