Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to a mob of red-necked wallabies, including Gidgee, who is known for carrying wallaby joeys. Gidgee has given birth to three joeys, with the latest one being born in 2023. Visitors to the zoo can observe the wallabies in the Australia Walkabout exhibit, where they can see Gidgee and her joey, as well as other members of the mob.

The Wallaby Mob at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The red-necked wallabies at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are part of a mob, which is a term used to describe a group of these social marsupials. The mob at the zoo includes Gidgee and her three joeys, as well as other adult wallabies. The wallabies are known for their friendly and interactive personalities, and visitors can hand-feed them, pet them, and observe a training session.

Gidgee and Her Joeys

Gidgee is the star of the show at the Australia Walkabout exhibit. She has given birth to three joeys, with the latest one being born in 2023. Joeys are born after approximately 29 days of gestation and are about the size of a jellybean. After birth, they crawl into their mother’s pouch and latch onto a nipple for about 3 months. Joeys typically pop their heads out of the pouch around 5 or 6 months and start regularly exploring outside the pouch at around 7 months.

Visiting the Australia Walkabout Exhibit

The Australia Walkabout exhibit at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and admission to the zoo is $22.50 for adults and $17.50 for children (ages 3-11). Children under 3 are free. Visitors can observe the wallabies in their natural habitat, hand-feed them their favorite treats, pet them, and even observe a training session.

Conservation and Education at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is committed to conservation efforts and education programs. The zoo is one of just a few operating without tax support and depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance, and donations for funding. By visiting the zoo and supporting its efforts, visitors can contribute to the conservation of these friendly marsupials and learn more about their unique characteristics and behaviors.

Unique Characteristics of the Red-Necked Wallaby

Red-necked wallabies are marsupials, meaning they carry their young in a pouch. Because they tend to have a short lifespan, ladies get pregnant at an early age. Gidgee’s new joey is her second, and her first, Clifford, is 18 months old. Wallabies are known for their soft, fluffy fur and their ability to hop and jump with ease.

Conclusion

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a great place to observe and learn about red-necked wallabies. The Australia Walkabout exhibit offers opportunities to hand-feed and interact with the wallabies, and visitors can see Gidgee and her joey, as well as other members of the mob. The zoo is committed to conservation efforts and education programs, making it a great place to support and learn about wildlife.

References:
– Gidgee’s New Wallaby Joey is Having a Pouch Party
– Friendly Hoppers: Meet the Wallabies at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
– Australia Walkabout
– Wallaby
– Red-Necked Wallaby