Wallaroo

Wallaroos ~ Macropus robustus

Wallaroos are found across most of Australia.

Although physically more like kangaroos, wallaroos’ genetic make-up is closer to that of some wallabies and can cross-breed with some wallaby species. Despite this sharing of traits with kangaroos and wallabies, the wallaroo is not a hybrid kangaroo-wallaby cross, althought it probably appeared that way to the person who first named it a “wallaroo”.

Wallaroos are found in many different kinds of habitat. They like steep rocky places with lots of shelter from Australia’s extreme temperatures. They also like to shelter in thick bush near billabongs. Their diet is mainly grasses and shrubs.

At Walkabout Park you will meet one very special wallaroo named Tegan. Tegan was rescued from the pouch when her mother was killed by a hunter. Tegan is a female wallaroo that has been raised carefully paying attention to maintaining their natural behaviours and discouraging them from expecting food from people. She is therefore placid and relaxed around people.

Wallaroos are large strong animals. The males are more inclined to show aggressive traits. Because of their size and behaviour, it is not considered safe for male wallaroos to interact with people. Because at Walkabout Park visitors go into the animal’s world where the wildlife is free to roam through the sanctuary, Walkabout Park does not have any male wallaroos.