Banz is a Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroo.
He was born at Perth Zoo in September 2019 and came to live at Caversham Wildlife Park in May 2021.
Banz is one of approx 50 individuals in the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Global Species Breeding Program.
There are fourteen species of tree kangaroos, that live in rainforest habitats in Irian Jaya, Papua New Guinea, and northern Queensland, Australia.
Two species, Lumholtz and Bennett’s, are found in Australia.
The Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroos, which are native to Papua New Guinea, are classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List; primarily due to habitat destruction and poaching.
The most significant predators of tree kangaroos in recent times are humans (deforestation, hunting, encroachment, etc), though the New Guinea highland dog, domestic dogs, large pythons, and raptorial birds are also threats.
On the 21st May 2022 the inaugural World Tree Kangaroo Day was celebrated! The day aims to raise global awareness of the conservation efforts of multiple groups and projects.
