Wallabies Introduced at Phillips Park Zoo

The Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora is welcoming two new inhabitants, Wally and Bindi. These wallabies, both over a year old, arrived on August 5, marking the zoo’s introduction of marsupials, as shared by city officials.

According to Anna Borozenets, the zoo manager, the wallabies are expected to spend the rest of their 10 to 15-year lifespan at the zoo. Bindi, a female, is noted for her curiosity, whereas Wally, a male, is more cautious, preferring to observe from a distance. They are a pair and exhibit strong social bonds, particularly Wally’s devotion to Bindi. Borozenets described them as sweet and social, especially with the zoo’s staff, and mentioned they are settling well into their new environment.

The wallabies were acquired from Santa’s Reindeer Ranch, a facility licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Borozenets, who has extensive experience with wallabies, wished to fill an empty exhibit with an engaging animal and found wallabies to be a perfect fit, both for visitors and for the community.

These animals come with manageable maintenance needs, meaning their presence hasn’t significantly increased zoo costs. Borozenets explained that any additional food and veterinary expenses were already included in the zoo’s budget.

Visitors can find Wally and Bindi in a designated exhibit between Tito the Lynx and the barnyard section at Phillips Park Zoo, situated at 1000 Ray Moses Drive in Aurora. The zoo operates from Thursday to Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., based on the city’s website.

Official sources note that as the wallabies adapt to their environment, they will choose between being in their exhibit or staying in their indoor space. Over time, visitors will increasingly spot them in the exhibit area.

Bennett’s wallabies, also called red-necked wallabies, originate from Australia’s and Tasmania’s forested and coastal areas. As adults, they typically weigh between 25 and 60 pounds and feed on grasses, herbs, and roots.