There is another little face to look out for at Longleat, with the Wiltshire attraction welcoming a tiny Parma wallaby joey to its growing collection of new arrivals.
The youngster, which has yet to be named or sexed, has been spotted peeking out from the pouch of its mother, Kiara, at the estate’s Wallaby Walkthrough.
The attraction, which opened in the Family Farmyard in May, allows visitors to get a closer look at the animals, including the much smaller Parma wallabies and their larger red-necked neighbours.
However, the latest arrival has a rather unusual story behind it.
Kiara was one of three adult Parma wallabies to arrive at Longleat from other animal collections just a few weeks ago. Despite being new to the estate, she was already carrying the next generation, thanks to a fascinating feature of marsupial reproduction.
Known as embryonic diapause, the process allows a female wallaby to temporarily pause the development of an embryo until conditions are suitable for another joey to develop.
This means Kiara’s youngster was conceived before she arrived at Longleat, with its father remaining at her previous home.
Gemma Short, Lead Keeper at Longleat, explained: “Three adult Parma wallabies joined us from two other collections only a few weeks ago so this little one’s father will be from mum Kiara’s previous home.”
Although the new joey is particularly small, visitors could be forgiven for mistaking the adult Parma wallabies for youngsters themselves.
The species is among the smallest wallabies, with adults reaching around 50cm in height and weighing between three and five kilograms.
Gemma added: “The Parmas are tiny and many guests think they are joeys; adults grow to around 50cm tall and will weigh between three and five kilograms. Super small so you can imagine how tiny this one is.”
Despite their size, the wallabies have been making themselves at home in their new surroundings.
Keepers say the animals have settled in well and appear particularly comfortable around the red-necked wallabies sharing the walkthrough.
“They are really friendly and will come quite close to guests when they visit the walkthrough. They are settling in well and have grown quite fond of our red necked wallabies,” Gemma said.
Another addition to Longleat’s 2026 baby boom
The Parma wallaby joey is the latest in a long line of new arrivals at the Wiltshire attraction this year.
Longleat has already celebrated the births of two tiger cubs, capybara twins, eight wolf pups, a red panda cub and flamingo chicks during 2026.
The latest youngster adds another reason for animal lovers to keep an eye on the estate’s growing families.
For now, the joey is remaining close to mum Kiara, occasionally making an appearance from the safety of her pouch.
Visitors have been able to spot the pair in the Wallaby Walkthrough, although the attraction is scheduled to close at the beginning of the October half-term break.
Anyone planning a visit should check the latest opening arrangements before travelling.
Further information and tickets are available through the official Longleat website
