Pip, Pickles & Petey the Parma Wallabies Join Sydney Zoo

Two females (with joeys in pouch!) called Pip & Pickles, and one male called Petey, are hand-raised and genetically valuable

Conservation organisation Aussie Ark has partnered with Sydney Zoo in a landmark moment, transferring three endangered Parma Wallabies - two females, Pip and Pickles, both carrying joeys in their pouches, and one male, Petey - who have now become the first of their species to join Sydney Zoo’s animal family.

The three Parma Wallabies were born in the Species Recovery Unit of Aussie Ark’s Barrington Tops facility, and hand-raised by team members of Aussie Ark and sister organisation the Australian Reptile Park. Most famous is Petey, who was tragically thrown from his mother’s pouch before a wonderful upbringing thanks to his surrogate ‘mum’, Aussie Ark Wildlife Ranger Riley Tydeman.

When Petey was weaned and strong enough, he successfully transitioned from Mr Tydeman’s loving care to a fully independent life in his own outdoor habitat at the Ark.

All three Parma Wallabies remain very comfortable with human company, making them perfect Parma Wallaby ambassadors for a new life in the popular Sydney Zoo.

Mr Tydeman found it ‘hard on his heart’ farewelling the wallabies, especially his ‘beloved’ Petey. The pair were inseparable, with Mr Tydeman even giving Petey boxing training in preparation for adulthood!

“It’s hard to say goodbye to these sweet little characters; I know and love them all,” Mr Tydeman said. “But I’m excited about the life they will lead at Sydney Zoo.”

Sydney Zoo Conservation & Community Manager Liz Gerber said the Parma Wallabies would be part of a long-term conservation and education program, helping raise awareness about the plight of the species.

“We’re proud to partner with Aussie Ark, whose dedication to breeding and re-wilding, and securing a future for our native species, is so admired,” Ms Gerber said. “Through this collaboration, we’re hoping to inspire our visitors to care more deeply about our lesser-known species and protect them.”

In a powerful full-circle moment, the joeys carried by these Parma Wallabies may one day return to Aussie Ark to be released into the 500-hectare Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary.