Wallaroos

Right now you are probably wondering one of four things:
Is a wallaroo a kangaroo?
Is a wallaroo a wallaby?
Is a wallaroo a cross between a wallaby and a kangaroo?
Is a wallaroo a typo?

The answer, of course, is none of the above. But let your lack of knowledge to the answers of the above questions be a reminder of how little you should assume about wallaroos and keeping them as pets.

That being said, here is basic information about wallaroos and their relationship to Critter Cabana and the great Northwest!

A wallaroo is one of many different species in the macropod family--basically he is a type of kangaroo much like a terrier is a type of dog. Like terriers, there are further different types of wallaroos. The wallaroos we have are called the Common or Euro Wallaroo.

A male wallaroo could reach 4 feet in height and 120 pounds. Think of a labrador retriever perched on its back legs waiting for a treat, and you have a male wallaroo. A female will most likely only get half the size. Does this mean you can't keep one in your apartment... sadly so, but for those homeowners out there with at least a 5000 square foot fenced yard, keep reading!

Many people may ask what we do with a wallaroo of this size. I guess the answer to that question will be different for every wallaroo owner. In Australia, they are often hunted and farmed as a meat source. We, of course, prefer to continue to love them, care for them, play with them, and learn from them.

A wallaroo presents minimal danger to its owners, other people, or other pets. Like dogs, they become very socialized with daily attention and will not turn into a vicious fighting roo unless trained to do so by its owners. They will quickly become friends with any pets living in the house including dogs, cats, bunnies, and tortoises.

Believe it or not, there are commercially prepared pellet foods made specifically for wallaroos and other macropods. In addition to pelleted foods they enjoy a wide variety of natural grasses, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. On very rare occasions your wallaroo might even enjoy potato chips or French fries.

A wallaroo can live for 20 years in the lush life of domesticity. Provide heated shelter and an adequate food supply to keep these lazy but loveable mammals happy in the environment you provide for them. Depending on your location, you may need a method of keeping dingos and poachers from reaching your beloved wallaroo.

The wallaroo that you would potentially have as a pet would not make the long journey from Australia to Portland like his great great grandparents once did. You would adopt him/her as a baby and become its new parents. Feeding it a bottle every 2-3 hours and taking care of all of its basic needs which includes carrying it everywhere in a pouch and sneaking it into restaurants and movies. Bearing this in mind, you must be prepared to spend a year or so educating the hundreds of people that will encounter you and your wallaroo while it is attached to your side.

Raising a wallaroo and having it is a pet is an experience that will undoubtedly change you and your family. You will experience a bond with an animal that is unlike any other animal in character or personality. This quick introduction to wallaroos is nowhere near comprehensive in providing you with the information you need to know before deciding whether or not to pursue a life with a wallaroo, but should pique your interest if you think you might enjoy the wallaroo experience.

Contact Critter Cabana for more information about wallaroos via email at info@crittercabana.com or via phone at 503-537-2570. Better yet, visit us at 516 E First St in Newberg to meet a wallaroo for yourself!

Pricing ranges from $2000-$4000