Pet Wallaby Fulfills a Childhood Wish

What's that hopping along on the end of a leash?

If you're in Orlando, Florida, chances are it's Gehts, a two year-old wallaby belonging to Suzie Charna, a
30-year-old student at Central Florida University. "She's like a little baby, I love her," Charna told Zootoo Pet News, explaining that she had dreamed of owning a wallaby since she was a child. Wallabies, which are indigenous to Australia and its nearby islands, are smaller members of the kangaroo family.

Charna bought Gehts (pronounced "gates") from a Florida breeder whose average price tag is $2,000. The female wallaby lives in Charna's two-story home with Charna and her cat. "You have to research how to raise them, how to love them, how to play with them," said Charna, who alternately carries Gehts in a large cloth pouch.

Not everyone loves the idea. "There's nothing good about a wallaby as a pet unless you have acreage or eight foot high fencing," said Shirley Cannan, who cares for 11 abandoned wallabies at Fallin' Pines Critter Rescue in Christmas, Florida. Wallabies are also known for a playful streak and a habit of jumping onto countertops, opening cupboards and play boxing. Though, according to one source, the female wallabies grow up to act like "young ladies."

Check out Lady Gehts in the video below.

Source

Tags: orlando-florida, wallaby