James arrived to us on the 22nd of August 2008.

He was found next to his dead mother on the road between Mareeba and Chillagoe. Fortunately, a very kind man picked him up and bought him down to the Marlin Coast Vet.

A phone call and a short trip later, James arrived at our place. He weighed 2KG when he arrived and so far has been progressing well.

If there is any of the macropods with a particular "attitude" trait, it would have to be these blokes. Every wallaroo we have ever cared for has had a distinct personality and an attitude to match!

James is no exception to this and hisses at you when you walk past his pen or "invade" his space, but he is really a big baby at heart! He will be with us for sometime before he is ready for release (at least 7 months).

One of the hardest parts of raising a macropod is that they are a social animal and need others of their own kind to develop their social skills. They must practice being a macropod rather then a human.

Although they are lovable animals, you must always keep their welfare foremost in your mind.

James had developed very well, but finally got to the stage where he really needed company of another wallaroo. Thankfully, another wildlife carer on the tablelands had a female wallaroo in care similar to James in size.

So, on the 18th of October 2008, I took James up to his new home where he could acquaint himself with his new friend.

He is still progressing very well and when the time comes, he will be released with his friend Henrietta. They should make a cute couple!