He’s the first of the rare species to live at the park. Staff said the new arrival had already showcased a cheeky personality, and loved eating hibiscus flowers.

Dean Reid, the park’s head of mammals said Banjo was an important addition to the park.

“We’re very excited about Banjo the Goodfellow’s tree-kangaroo because the Australian Reptile Park recognises their important role in education and advocacy of their species,” Mr Reid said.

“This is the first time we have held the species so all of the staff are very excited,”

Banjo will be joined by a female in the coming months.

Mr Reid said the park was proud that Banjo would become part of a nation-wide captive breeding program to help boost the population of the species.

He is currently being held off display with plans for a state-of-the-art exhibit, where visitors will be able to view the pair, to be constructed by mid-2019.

The species is slow and clumsy on the ground, moving at about walking pace and hopping awkwardly. However, in trees it is bold and agile.

The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Visitors can enjoy live entertaining shows, themed exhibits, and interaction with many of the wildlife sanctuary’s residents.

Visit reptilepark.com.au 

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