Then, instead of fear, I started feeling happy and blessed to be this close to this animal in its natural environment, as this is something I would never get such to experience in an American zoo!
Wallabies are widespread across mainland Australia, Tasmania and Papua, New Guinea. In Australia, there are different types of wallabies that prefer different habitats. For instance, rock wallabies live almost exclusively in rugged terrain along rocky hills, boulders and caves. Others prefer grassy plains, open forests or thick bushes near the ocean. This particular group that I saw was residing in a protected sanctuary, a safe space created specifically for them. They had plenty of friends and space to make them feel at home!
Each environment offers wallabies a special advantage for surviving in the wild. In rocky areas, wallabies use their grippy feet and strong legs to climb and leap across steep boulders, making it hard for predators to reach them. Those living in bushy coastal areas rely on their colorful fur to blend in with plants and shadows, helping them stay hidden. Wallabies in open forests or grassy plains use their sharp hearing and quick hopping to escape danger quickly. No matter where they live, wallabies are excellent at using their environment to stay safe and thrive.
