(Exmoor Zoo via SWNS)
By George Jones
This is the cute moment when a wallaby joey sticks its head out of a pouch in time for spring.
The baby was captured at Exmoor Zoo in Devon on April 6.
It comes as the joey starts to grow bigger until they were eventually afoot - a term used by keepers when they will not stay in the pouch.
According to the zoo, Red necked Wallabies or also known as Bennett’s wallabies and have a very short gestation period of around 28-30 days.
The tiny bean sized joey will then disappear into the pouch for up to 9 months as it grows.
Trainee keeper Riley has cared for the animals since he started at the zoo in September, 2025.
(Exmoor Zoo via SWNS)
He said: “Spotting the joeys is great.
"We have one which is further along in age as it has more fur on its head and one that is pinkie brown, so it’s a bit younger than the other one.”
Zoo director Danny Reynolds said it could get quite hot in the pouches so from time to time keepers could see tails and feet also sticking out so the wallaby could cool down.
He said: "Like most marsupials they are dependant on the milk mum produces for up to a year.
"But as they get older and venture out the pouch they start to eat more solids and drink less milk.
"Riley is excited to be a “Jill’ for the first time - a wallaby mommy!"
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