Animals We Are Saving at the Racine Zoo

G'Day Mates!
Racine Zoo Wallaroos to Collection in Preparation for Opening of New Exhibit

Racine – The Racine Zoo is pleased to announce the addition of hill common wallaroos. The wallaroos were received from the Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas. Both are female and will be two-years-old this year. They each weigh approximately 24 lbs. The wallaroos have completed their quarantine and are currently on exhibit in the Vanishing Kingdom historic building.

Wallaroos are closely related to kangaroos and wallabies. (Wallaroos fall in between the kangaroo and wallaby in terms of size, hence the name wallaroo is a combination of the names of the two.) They are typically darker on top and have a lighter underbelly. Most wallaroos are only slightly smaller than kangaroos so differentiation can be difficult. The wallaroos at the Racine Zoo will be able to be distinguished from the Zoo’s red kangaroos due to their shaggy grey/brown coat and large black hindquarters.

In the wild, wallaroos typically live on steep embankments, rocky hills and rainforests. They have a lifespan of approximately 15 years and weigh 45-110 lbs. fully grown. They will typically eat grasses, shrubs and herbs.

In July, the wallaroos with join kangaroos, black swans, emus and egrets in the all-new Walkabout Creek immersive exhibit currently under construction. This exhibit will allow guests to walk directly through the habitat of these Australian animals.

“We are thrilled to add the wallaroos to our collection and are looking forward to the opening of the Walkabout Creek exhibit this summer. It will be the first immersive exhibit the Racine Zoo has offered guests and we are anxious to allow visitors such access to our exhibits and our animals,” said Jay Christie, President and CEO.

The Racine Zoo is open daily. Hours between Labor Day and Memorial Day are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The admission price is $4.00 for adults, $2.00 for children 3-15, $3.00 for seniors and children under three and Zoo Members are free. The mission of the Racine Zoological Society is to foster an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature. The Society will provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science.

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	G'Day Mates! Racine Zoo Wallaroos to Collection in Preparation for Opening of New Exhibit Racine – The Racine Zoo is pleased to announce the addition of hill common wallaroos. The wallaroos were received from the Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas. Both are female and will be two-years-old this year. They each weigh approximately 24 lbs. The wallaroos have completed their quarantine and are currently on exhibit in the Vanishing Kingdom historic building. Wallaroos are closely related to kangaroos and wallabies. (Wallaroos fall in between the kangaroo and wallaby in terms of size, hence the name wallaroo is a combination of the names of the two.) They are typically darker on top and have a lighter underbelly. Most wallaroos are only slightly smaller than kangaroos so differentiation can be difficult. The wallaroos at the Racine Zoo will be able to be distinguished from the Zoo’s red kangaroos due to their shaggy grey/brown coat and large black hindquarters. In the wild, wallaroos typically live on steep embankments, rocky hills and rainforests. They have a lifespan of approximately 15 years and weigh 45-110 lbs. fully grown. They will typically eat grasses, shrubs and herbs. In July, the wallaroos with join kangaroos, black swans, emus and egrets in the all-new Walkabout Creek immersive exhibit currently under construction. This exhibit will allow guests to walk directly through the habitat of these Australian animals. “We are thrilled to add the wallaroos to our collection and are looking forward to the opening of the Walkabout Creek exhibit this summer. It will be the first immersive exhibit the Racine Zoo has offered guests and we are anxious to allow visitors such access to our exhibits and our animals,” said Jay Christie, President and CEO. The Racine Zoo is open daily. Hours between Labor Day and Memorial Day are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The admission price is $4.00 for adults, $2.00 for children 3-15, $3.00 for seniors and children under three and Zoo Members are free. The mission of the Racine Zoological Society is to foster an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature. The Society will provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science. -End-

2008 Racine Zoological Society