A rare albino wallaby has been born at Hopwood Hall College

An albino wallaby is the extraordinary new addition to the animals at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre in Middleton.

The unusual creature, called Casper, is a member a troupe of nine grey wallabies that are homed in the same wildlife enclosure.

Casper was born hairless but his distinctive colour started to come through while still in his mother, Tolliver’s pouch in the spring.

Now just eight weeks out of the pouch, Casper is proving very popular with his fellow furry friends – not to mention those who care for them at the college.

The Bennett’s Wallabies are typically found in far away places such as the woodlands of Tasmania.

However, in the right habitat they’ll thrive and successfully breed – just like this troupe is doing at their idyllic home in Middleton.

The wallabies live alongside 500 incredible animals on the sprawling 70-acre campus and even share a woodland enclosure with a flamboyance of pink flamingos.

 

 

Other rare and wonderful creatures homed nearby include meerkats, potoroos and snowy owls.

The unique set-up provides a one-of-a-kind training experience for people who dream of working with animals.

This includes school leavers and adult learners who are studying Higher Education.

The college will soon open its doors to young people aged 13-16 when its Animal Academy returns later this month.

The popular programme gives school-aged pupils the opportunity to get a one week’s valuable experience working with creatures such as Casper.

In the past it’s proven to be a fantastic summer activity and the perfect springboard into a career working with animals.

Julia Heap, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College and University Centre, said: “We’re delighted to see that Casper has settled in so well to our inclusive college community!

“He’s such a remarkable creature and has clearly had no problem warming the hearts of our staff and students.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled that future learners will have the opportunity to care for him and all the other unusual animals we home on campus.

“It’s particularly good timing for those young people who are planning to join us on our upcoming Animal Academy – we’re sure it’ll prove to be an unforgettable experience!”