Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Joeys adjusting to new habitat

The Hillcrest Park Zoo introduced the two baby kangaroos to some of its members Wednesday and Thursday.

At the members-only meet and greet on Wednesday, organizers said all the time slots were fully booked with around 100 people attending.

More attended on Thursday.

The male and female joeys were brought into their new homes in Clovis in February, and they've been adjusting well, according to Zoo Curator Stephanie Chavez.

"They have doubled in size and have created a special bond with their keepers," Chavez said.

Chavez said the staff have gotten to learn more about their personalities. The female is bold and assertive. The male is reserved and a little more independent.

The joeys are eating well, Chavez said.

Zookeeper Heath Muller said they are eating grass hay and dry kangaroo kibble. While they are offered a bottle every day still, Muller said they aren't taking it as much nowadays.

Chavez said the female will grow to just under 5 feet tall and the male will be around 6 feet tall.

Just in time for the summer season, the kangaroos will be available for public viewing sometime in May.

"The kangaroos are just one addition to the zoo so they will contribute (to attendance), but there's still a lot more to come," Chavez said.

 
 
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