Wallaby Rex Escapes Williamstown Farm, Spotted Near Shopping Center
In a surprising turn of events, a wallaby named Rex was spotted in a Walmart parking lot in Williamstown, New Jersey. The incident unfolded when Klarissa Harper, a local resident, was running an errand to buy milk. As she was exiting the parking lot, she noticed something unusual hopping in front of her car.
Harper quickly captured the moment on video, initially mistaking Rex for a kangaroo. She described her reaction, saying, “I couldn’t contain my excitement for this whatever – like it’s a kangaroo.” However, Rex is a three-year-old wallaby that had recently escaped from Lots of Love Farm, a nearby petting zoo and animal sanctuary located just half a mile away.
Details of the Escape
Ron Layden, owner of Lots of Love Farm, confirmed that Rex had been temporarily relocated to a different enclosure due to cold weather. Unfortunately, the enclosure gate was not fully secured, allowing Rex to hop away. Layden expressed concern for Rex’s safety, noting that he fears the wallaby may be at risk of being hit by a vehicle.
Rex’s Description and Behavior
- Height: Approximately three feet
- Coat: Gray
- Temperament: Very friendly
Layden has appealed to the public for help. He advised, “If somebody sees him, don’t chase him. Just try to stay where he is.” Layden hopes that when he retrieves Rex, he can simply walk up to him, as Rex is familiar with him.
Search Efforts Underway
On Tuesday, there was a reported sighting of Rex in a neighborhood across from the farm. As part of their search efforts, staff from Lots of Love Farm may deploy a drone to locate the escaped wallaby. Anyone who encounters Rex is encouraged to contact Lots of Love Farm immediately.
The community remains vigilant as they hope for Rex’s safe return, showcasing the bond that can form between humans and animals.
