A kind stranger found an abandoned baby animal on the side of the Stuart Highway near Mataranka, Australia. Not knowing what else to do, a passerby gently picked up the tiny creature and began the nine-hour drive to deliver him to a wildlife keeper. When the little one arrives, the man finds himself puzzled. Despite his extensive experience, he could not tell what kind of animal he was. Hoping to get some answers, she sent a photo to Kristie Argall, an expert from Wildcare Inc. NT. But Argall, too, was unsure.
Determined to identify the mysterious creature, Argall forwards the photo to the president of Wildcare Inc. Finally, the answer came. The baby, now named Stuart Little, is a Spectacled Hare-Wallaby – a rare species in that region.
Native to Australia, Spectacled Hare-Wallabys are marsupials known for their distinctive golden fur around the eyes and their ability to endure harsh and hot climates. Stuart’s discovery was nothing short of extraordinary. Even his vet was amazed, admitting it had been over a decade since he had seen one at the clinic.
“There is only a small population of Spectacled Hare-Wallabys in Mataranka, where Stuart was found,” Argall explained to The Dodo. “I lived in Mataranka for a year and never saw one. Although there are other populations in the Northern Territory, they are less common…”
From the beginning, Stuart captivated everyone with his unique looks and charm. “The first time I held him, I was shocked,” Argall said. “He is so small, that his whole body fits in my hands, and his eyes are enchanting.”
Under the care of his rescuers, Stuart’s personality blossoms. “He loved to sniff the fresh air and the bushland around him,” shared Argall. “He is kind and gentle but also a bit rude. His antics at bottle time, especially his tongue wagging, always make me laugh.”
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As Stuart grows up, he will join a program at the Territory Wildlife Park, where conservationists will give him the environment and support he needs to thrive. His unexpected rescue left a lasting impact on all involved. “He was incredible,” Argall said. “Stuart reminds us to appreciate the simple joys in life.”
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