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Introducing our youngest Quokka joey, Ban-gup (pronounced ‘BUN-gup’) - who is still finding his feet in the Aussie Walkthrough! Quokkas are known to the Noongar people of south-west Western Australia by a range of names, including Ban-gup which means an animal that burrows in the ground. This name was chosen by participants in Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s Walanmarra program. Walanmarra is a Wiradjuri word which means ‘to make strong now’, representing the ethos of the program working towards strengthening Aboriginal children, in their skills, learning and attachment to land and culture. #DidYouKnow Quokkas were once widely distributed across south-west WA, including its offshore islands, however they are now classified as vulnerable in Australia as they are restricted to small scattered populations on the mainland, Rottnest and Bald Island, near Albany. Their main threats include habitat degradation and loss and predation by cats and foxes, as well a warming and drying climate. Every birth counts for this iconic yet vulnerable Australian native. Come and see Ban-gup, his mum Murruwa, aunty Djinda and big brother Digby in our Aussie Walkthrough. 📹 Keepers Ilka and Lou #12DaysOfAussieChristmas