Detroit Zoo Ends Search For Missing Wallaby, Officials Say They're 'Heartbroken'

ROYAL OAK, MI — Detroit Zoo officials said Friday they're calling off the search for a 5-month-old wallaby that went missing from the Detroit Zoo, as they don't believe the joey is still alive.

"We have exhausted every resource at our disposal, spent dozens of hours reviewing all trail cam and security footage, and thoroughly searched the Zoo and surrounding areas," Detroit Zoo officials said in a statement. "We are heartbroken that nothing has revealed to us the location of this wallaby. At this point, after so many days away from the mother, we do not believe this joey could still be alive."

The baby wallaby went missing from the Detroit Zoo on Sunday, just days after the officials announced the birth of the wallaby. The joey was so young, officials couldn't determine its gender yet.

After searching for days, zoo officials believe the baby joey was taken from its habitat by an aerial predator, such as a hawk or owl.

"This 2-acre habitat is home to 11 kangaroos and wallabies Sprocket, Eloise and Bucky who were born last spring," zoo officials said. "There are native predators, such as owls and hawks, who live near the zoo. At this time, we believe it is likely one of these aerial predators was involved."

However, zoo officials did say that the mother wallaby, 4-year-old Sprocket, was healthy and doing well, as animal care staff continues to provide her with the highest level of care.