The six-year-old arrived from Victoria as part of Perth Zoo’s important role in the globally coordinated breeding program and has already been making a big impression on his keepers and visitors alike.

Perth Zoo Australian Fauna Keeper Bronte Winterbottom said the marsupial was settling in well.

“Taro is an absolutely beautiful tree kangaroo and he’s catching the attention of some lucky visitors who have spotted him up in the trees,” Bronte said.  

“Like all our new arrivals, we’ve been letting Taro lead the way. Working on his terms has given him the time and space he needs to get comfortable.   

“Every day we’re seeing him become more confident and curious, and his personality is really starting to shine through.  

With plenty of new sights, sounds and smells at the Zoo, Taro has had a lot to discover, including his new neighbour Muku.    

"Muku is our youngest female tree kangaroo, and she’s shown interest in Taro since he arrived,” Bronte said.  

“We’ve observed both Taro and Muku watching and sniffing each other through their habitats, which are encouraging behaviours as they become familiar with one another.”

The Zoo’s animal care time will continue to monitor their behaviours and have plans to introduce the pair for breeding in the future.  

As part of the globally coordinated breeding program, Perth Zoo has celebrated several breeding successes with the species over the years, including the arrival of Muku in 2024.

Every joey born is a great example of the good work zoos do and adds to the genetically diverse Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo population around the world.

But these special animals aren’t just cute, they’re also important ambassadors for their wild cousins, helping to raise awareness for their plight in the wild. 

Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroos are native to Papua New Guinea and sadly classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Perth Zoo proudly partners Tenkile Conservation Alliance (TCA), a Papua New Guinea based organisation who work to protect the species natural habitats and provide alternate food sources for local communities.

Through this partnership, Perth Zoo support projects that help create more sustainable villages, to reduce the impact on surrounding ecosystems and support the long-term rehabilitation of the environment. 

Visitors can spot Taro high in the tree tops every day from 9am-5pm, with the best chance to see him in action at the free keeper talk and feed from 3:30pm on Tuesdays and Sundays from October.