SAN JOSE — Here at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, the wallaby population is growing and making some moves.
The newest joey actually left its mother's pouch for the first time on Friday while a KCBS Radio reporter interviewed zoo staff. The joey took its first steps about a month sooner than Zoo Manager Kevin Hertell predicted.
"This little baby is really exploring," said Charlotte Orr, the zoo's spokeswoman. "It must be pretty exciting for it. This is sort of its first glimpse at the world."
The joey ran around the pen and nursed from its mother.
It's too soon to know if the joey is male or female. The staff will only find out next year when a vet gives it its first annual examination, Orr said. After the veterinary team determines the gender, the zoo will name the baby wallaby.
