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Prospect Park Zoo News
A ’Roo Named Riley
It’s a girl and she goes by Riley! Thanks to all who submitted entries in our online naming contest for Christy and Junior’s bouncy baby ’roo. “Riley” is a popular name in Australia and a nod to the heritage of this western gray kangaroo youngster. Zookeepers determined the joey’s gender just days before the naming ceremony.
The name “Riley” received 208 votes, beating out runners-up Nari, Kylie, and Kinta. It was submitted by Allison Make. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz attended the ceremony at the Zoo, joining cultural partner Heart of Brooklyn’s director Ellen Salpeter and pre-K students from the Montessori Day School of Brooklyn.
“The community sent in so many original and creative names, it was hard to narrow it down to just four,” said Denise McClean, Prospect Park Zoo’s new facility director. “But Riley was a great fit.”
Native to southern Australia, western gray kangaroos, Macropus fuliginosus, inhabit open grasslands, where they feed primarily on grasses and grains. These world-renowned jumpers use their big feet as springboards for hopping up to 30 feet. Their long, thick tails help them balance.
The Prospect Park Zoo, now with a total of four kangaroos, is the only zoo in the Northeast to house western grays. You can see Riley and her family on exhibit daily along the Zoo’s outdoor Discovery Trail, where they roam freely throughout the exhibit. This woodland walk also features wallabies, red pandas, otters, and prairie dogs. Look for the little ’roo hopping alongside or lounging next to mom.
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