A kind-hearted stranger came across an abandoned baby animal on the side of Stuart Highway near Mataranka, Australia. Not knowing what else to do, the passerby gently picked up the tiny creature and embarked on a nine-hour drive to deliver him to a wildlife caregiver. When the little one arrived, the staff member found herself puzzled. Despite her extensive experience, she couldn’t determine what type of animal he was. Hoping to get some answers, she sent a photo to Kristie Argall, an expert from Wildcare Inc. NT. But Argall, too, was unsure.
Determined to identify the mysterious creature, Argall forwarded the photo to the president of Wildcare Inc. Finally, the answer came. The baby, now named Stuart Little, was a Spectacled Hare-Wallaby — a rare species in that region.
Native to Australia, Spectacled Hare-Wallabys are marsupials renowned for their distinctive golden fur around the eyes and their ability to endure harsh, hot climates. Stuart’s discovery was nothing short of extraordinary. Even his vet was astounded, admitting it had been over a decade since he’d seen one in the clinic.
“There’s only a small population of Spectacled Hare-Wallabys in Mataranka, where Stuart was found,” Argall explained to The Dodo. “I lived in Mataranka for a year and never saw one. While there are other populations in the Northern Territory, they’re far less common…”
From the start, Stuart captivated everyone with his unique looks and charm. “The first time I held him, I was amazed,” Argall said. “He was so tiny, with his entire body fitting in my hands, and his spectacled eyes were simply mesmerizing.”
Under the care of his rescuers, Stuart’s personality blossomed. “He loves sniffing the fresh air and the bushland around him,” Argall shared. “He’s sweet and gentle but also a little cheeky. His antics at bottle time, especially waving his tongue around, always make me laugh.”
Shockingly, this is not the first time she has faced animal cruelty charges; she has a past conviction for similar crimes. We must ensure that no more animals suffer or die in her care!
As Stuart grows, he’ll join a program at the Territory Wildlife Park, where conservationists will provide him with the environment and support he needs to thrive. His unexpected rescue has left a lasting impact on everyone involved. “He’s just incredible,” Argall said. “Stuart reminds us to cherish the simple joys in life.”
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