Chapter 6 - Rehabilitation of Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo Joeys

Abstract

On the Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia, the distributional center of Lumholtz's tree kangaroos (Dendrolagus lumholtzi), wildlife carers regularly receive orphaned joeys (marsupial pouch young) and attempt their rehabilitation. This chapter describes the fundamental principles, required skills and practices, and the consolidated knowledge that underpin current best practice in raising orphaned Lumholtz's tree kangaroo joeys to maturity and independence. Ranging from advice on the correct initial assessment, the required equipment and environmental necessities, guidance on dietary essentials and on how to prevent and resolve complications, to conditional modalities of release, the presented collation of information and insights aims to contribute to the increased survival of orphaned Lumholtz's tree kangaroo joeys in human care. It also provides a resource for animal carers and zoo personnel for effective application of best practice in raising Lumholtz's tree kangaroo joeys.