Say hello to the agile wallaby, one of Australia’s fastest and most adaptable marsupials! These bouncy creatures are close relatives of kangaroos, but they’re smaller, lighter, and built for quick moves through grassy forests and woodlands.
Agile wallabies live in northern Australia and parts of Papua New Guinea. They get their name from their quick, nimble hops, which help them escape predators and travel long distances in search of food. They use their strong back legs and long tail for balance and powerful leaps—sometimes covering over 10 feet in a single bound!
Like all marsupials, female wallabies have a pouch, where they carry and protect their babies (called joeys) after birth. The joey stays in the pouch for several months before poking its head out to explore the world.
Agile wallabies are herbivores, meaning they eat plants—mostly grasses and leaves. They’re crepuscular, which means they’re most active during early morning and evening hours when it’s cooler outside.
In the wild, they live in groups called mobs and are always alert for danger. With their large ears, they can pick up distant sounds, and when threatened, they’ll thump the ground with their feet to warn others before hopping away.
In zoos, agile wallabies are often found in walk-through Australian exhibits or mixed habitats with kangaroos and emus, where visitors can observe their playful personalities and learn about life in the outback.
