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An Australian conservation organisation recently unveiled the gender of one of its adorable baby animals. Aussie Ark conducted the inaugural health assessment for the joey of the renowned hand-raised Long-nosed potoroo, Dandarah, and disclosed that it's a male.
Wildlife Ranger Adam Mowbray and Operations Manager carried out the capture and health examination, reporting that the potoroo, named Pippin, is in excellent health. "The joey is currently around 12 weeks old and is spending most of its time outside of the pouch, 'at foot,'" mentioned Mr. Mowbray. "In a few weeks, it will attain full independence and eventually join Aussie Ark's Long-nosed potoroo breeding and rewilding program."
Dandarah is a familiar face at the Ark, and this breeding season, the organisation decided it was time for her to reconnect with her 'animal side.' She was paired with the handsome male Long-nosed potoroo, Fredrick, and the two immediately formed a bond. The confirmation of a joey came during a pouch check in September.
In contrast to his mother, Pippin is not accustomed to human contact and is quite shy. Therefore, staff have been closely monitoring the joey's progress using motion-sensor cameras. These cameras captured enchanting moments, including the joey emerging from Dandarah's pouch, receiving grooming, and displaying bravery as he hopped around their enclosure. The strong mother-son bond was evident when Pippin was released at the conclusion of his health check.
"It was truly amazing," Mr. Mowbray exclaimed. "At the very end, when we released Pippin, Dandarah was right there. It was surreal to witness Dandarah's maternal instincts in action and to see them reunited."
When: 29 Nov 2023
Credit: Aussie Ark/Cover Images
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