Wallaby saved from death by family who keep it in their living room

24 July 2023 , 16:04

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Hayley Bateman made the decision to take in Willow the wallaby and treat her just like a house pet after her mother rejected her (Image: Lee McLean/SWNS)

A wallaby has been saved from death by a family in the UK who keep it in their living room.

Six-year-old Willow was hand-reared by Hayley Bateman, 50, and is now one of the family.

Rejected by her mum as a joey at an animal centre in Hull, she was taken to be put down at a nearby vet’s where Hayley works.

But Hayley saved her life by taking her to her family home in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, where the wallaby sleeps in a heated stable with plenty of dogs and a giant rabbit for company.

Hayley says Willow feels like one of the family (Lee McLean/SWNS)

Gran Hayley said: “She thinks she’s one of the family. She’ll stay on the sofa while I potter around.

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“We give her a lot of fresh fruit and veg, but I have to put her outside if we’re eating – she’ll steal a naan if she can. She also loves Cadbury’s chocolate.”

Wallabies require plenty of grass, cover and room. They do make excellent pets for paddocks and grassy enclosures, they are naturally inquisitive animals and become very tame.

Willow likes to relax with Violet the dog (Lee McLean/SWNS)

A wallaby spends most of its time grazing, meaning grass is essential to keeping a healthy wallaby.

Indigenous to Australia, wallabies are charismatic animals that make the best pets are those which are hand-raised and human-socialized.

Still, wallabies have a powerful kick that should not be underestimated. While they are relatively easier to care for, inadequate care can make them prone to infection.

Stephen White