Goodfellow the Tree Kangaroo

11th November 2016

Living an arboreal life in the thick rainforest of Papua New Guinea is a brown furry creature who goes by the endearing name of Goodfellow the Tree Kangaroo. It is named after the British zoological collector Walter Goodfellow.

Also known as the Ornate Tree Kangaroo, this species is a lot smaller than the large Kangaroos you see hopping along in Australia. These adorable furry creature resembles a cross between a lemur and a kangaroo. Their short woolly fur is a chestnut-red brown, and all have their own unique golden stripe pattern running along from their back to their tails. Unlike their close relative the kangaroo, tree kangaroos sport short hind legs and strong forelimbs necessary for climbing. Ranging in size from about 40-76cm long with tails up to 86cm long, the tree kangaroo is small and agile.

Goodfellow’s physique has been adapted to live life among the trees. Their legs end in hooked claws so they can grasp onto trees as they jump through the forest. Their jumping skills are nothing less than extraordinary, and it’s thanks to their long tail which they use for balance and their strong hind legs which propel them up to heights of 30 feet! It’s hard to imagine that these creatures are very slow and clumsy when on the ground.

Like all female marsupials, the tree kangaroo has a marsupium or pouch to carry her young. Although the tree kangaroo is largely a solitary creature, the exception to this rule is when she is caring for her joey. The relationship between mother and joey is incredibly strong and a mother tree kangaroos will risk her life for her young. When a joey is born, it instinctively finds its mother’s pouch, climbs in and pretty much hangs out there, drinking milk for the next 10 or so months. At about 18 months, the joey, now an adult, heads off on its own to hopefully live a long life.

Sadly, the Goodfellow is endangered. Hunting and a loss of habitat have resulted in this already rare animal being listed as a threatened species. Thankfully conservation efforts are underway to ensure their habitat is protected.

If you are looking to catch a glimpse of these wonderful Tree Kangaroos, they dwell in the lowland rainforests of Papua New Guinea such as to the south of the Torricelli Mountains in Sandaun province. This area is beautiful beyond measure and so are these lovable creatures who are important to the land.

Paga Hill Estate is a world class master planned estate in the heart of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The waterfront site is the first comprehensively planned multi-use development in Papua New Guinea to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike. The all-inclusive development will include vibrant public spaces and waterfront promenade, luxury hotels, residential apartments, restaurants, retail, commercial space, a Trade, Exhibition & Cultural Centre, restoration of WWII relics, marina precinct and a nearby international cruise liner terminal.