Baby West Grey Kangaroo Debuts at Albuquerque BioPark

Albuquerque, NM – A baby western grey kangaroo has been born at the ABQ BioPark Zoo, marking the first kangaroo joey born at the zoo since 2013. The joey, whose gender and name have yet to be determined, is approximately eight to nine months old and is increasingly venturing out of its mother Sheila’s pouch, according to a press release from the BioPark.

Animal care staff first observed signs of new life in Sheila’s pouch in November 2025. These signs gradually became more visible, including the appearance of tiny legs, a tail, and finally, the joey’s head in late January 2026.

The joey was born to Sheila and Sydney, both western grey kangaroos. Sheila can be identified by an orange tag on her left ear.

Currently, the young kangaroo lives with the rest of the western grey kangaroo mob, as well as three Bennett’s wallabies, two emu, and two red kangaroos.

As the joey grows, it will gradually begin to wean off milk and transition to a more adult diet. Animal care staff anticipate the joey will remain close to its mother for about a year, continuing to explore its surroundings and develop independence.

Though, the joey has been spotted venturing out of the pouch more often as they and their curiosity continue to grow.

ABQ BioPark

While western grey kangaroos are currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, all native species in Western Australia are protected under the BC Act. The ABQ BioPark emphasized the importance of each new birth in maintaining the stability of the global kangaroo population.

Visitors to the ABQ BioPark Zoo can attempt to spot the newest member of the mob during their next visit. The BioPark encourages people to follow their social media channels for updates on the joey’s development.