Wallaby Found in Hamilton Prompts Warning: ‘Pests Are Not Pets’

A dama wallaby discovered in Hamilton, New Zealand, has prompted a stern warning from the Waikato Regional Council: pests should not be kept as pets. The animal, found on March 3rd, was likely being illegally kept as a domestic animal, a practice the council deems “simply irresponsible.”

Wallaby Found Dead with Joey

Biosecurity staff located the body of the dama wallaby in Frankton. An autopsy revealed the wallaby had an immature joey in its pouch and may have been fed domestic vegetables, suggesting it was accustomed to human care. Further testing is underway to determine more about the animal’s diet and history.

Ecological and Economic Damage

Waikato Regional Council senior biosecurity officer Dave Byers emphasized the detrimental impact wallabies can have on New Zealand’s native ecosystems. “These animals are hard to contain, and the damage they can cause is costly, both environmentally and financially,” Byers stated. Wallabies destroy native bush by consuming seedlings, ferns, and grasses, depriving indigenous birds and animals of essential shelter and food sources.

The council also noted that large wallaby populations can negatively affect forestry and farming operations by damaging young trees and competing with livestock for pasture.

Illegal Possession and Penalties

Under the Biosecurity Act, wallabies are classified as an unwanted organism, making their possession illegal without a specific exemption. Exemptions are rarely granted and are typically reserved for facilities like petting zoos and wildlife parks that meet stringent criteria. The Waikato Regional Council is unlikely to approve exemptions for private individuals seeking to keep wallabies as pets.

Violators of biosecurity laws face significant penalties, including fines ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 and, in some cases, imprisonment for up to five years.

Concerns About Additional Wallabies in Captivity

As the deceased wallaby was carrying a joey, authorities are concerned that other wallabies may be held in captivity at private residences. Biosecurity officers have been canvassing the Frankton area and are urging residents to report any wallaby sightings.

Wallaby History in New Zealand

Wallabies were first introduced to New Zealand from Australia in the 1800s for hunting, private zoos, and their skins. With no natural predators, their population has grown substantially. Estimates suggest there are over 1 million wallabies in the wild across New Zealand, including the Dama, Parma, and Bennett’s wallaby species, which are open for hunting.