We are proud to introduce you Rainforestation’s newest resident; Jimmy the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo!
This gorgeous three year old male arrived from Treeroo Rescue and Conservation Centre in Malanda, which is a non-for-profit organisation that rescues and rehabilitates Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroos.
As you can see by the adorable video below, Jimmy in settling into his new home very well!
About The Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo
Dendrolagus lumholtzi
- The Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo is endemic to Tropical North Queensland and can only be found between the Daintree and the Cardwell Range.
- They have powerful forelimbs and large hind feet which allow them to move in both a quadrupedal and bipedal motion.
- Only two types of tree kangaroos occur in Australia; the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo and the Bennett’s Tree Kangaroo
- Adult males weigh around 7.6kg and adult females weigh around 6.3kg
- It has the longest tail of all kangaroos, which helps it balance on branches and trunks whilst climbing.
- These nocturnal marsupials spend daylight hours sleeping high in tree canopies.
How Big Are They?
Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo are one of the smallest of the tree kangaroo species, but one of Australia’a largest arboreal mammals. Adult males average between 7 and 9.5 kilos and females average between 6.5-7.5 kilos. Jimmy is a whopping 10 kilos!
Where Are They Found?
The Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus Lumholtzi) is only found in the Wet Tropics Rainforest in the Atherton Tablelands. Their habitat spans from the Carbine Tableland in the north and the Cardwell Range in the south.
These marsupials tend to dwell in the rainforest at altitudes above 300 metres.
What Do They Eat?
Lumholtz’s tree kangaroos are not picky when it comes to food! They have been observed eating around 130 different plants from 45 plant families. They have will also eat young birds and eggs.
Where Do They Get Their Name?
They are named after Norweigan explorer Carl Sofus Lumholtz who first discovered the species in 1883.
What Is Their Conservation Status?
The Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo is listed as near threatened.
Jimmy’s Story
Jimmy was rescued a year ago by Tree Roo Rescue and Conservation Centre, which is based in Malanda. He was found in a tree in Yungaburra and is likely to have wondered into the village from nearby rainforest. After rescuing him, Dr Karen Coombes, the Director and Chair of Tree Roo Rescue, discovered that Jimmy had a sight impairment. Unfortunately, this meant that Jimmy could not return to the wild.
Prior to his arrival at Rainforestation’s Koala & Wildlife Park, our head wildlife keeper Kate Barnard spent four days and three nights with Jimmy at the Tree Roo Rescue and Conservation Centre to ensure that the move into his new home would be as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Kate says that Jimmy is already adored by passionate wildlife keepers and park guests alike.
“Jimmy is very social with the keepers, and often enjoys it when I give him a scratch. I am happy to see that he is settling into his new home well”, she says.
The new kid on the block is also enjoying a range of culinary delights at Rainforestation. Although nothing can beat his favourite food: figs!
Meet Jimmy the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo at Rainforest now! Book here.
