WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J. (VINnews)— A 3-year-old wallaby named Rex is back at his home after escaping from a petting zoo and animal sanctuary in southern New Jersey, where he was spotted hopping near a retention pond and a Walmart parking lot.
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Rex escaped Monday from Lots of Love Farm in the Williamstown section of Monroe Township, Gloucester County. Owner Ron Layden said the marsupial had been moved to a different enclosure due to cold weather, but the gate was not fully secured.
The wallaby was first sighted Monday night near Black Horse Pike, nearly struck by a vehicle, and later seen in the Walmart parking lot about a mile from the farm.
Search efforts continued Tuesday, with help from local residents and Monroe Township police. Caitlyn Evangelista and her mother, Michelle, spotted Rex near a retention pond while assisting in the search.
Farm staff and volunteers, including local youth, captured Rex safely Tuesday night when he returned to the area near the Walmart.
“He must really like Walmart,” the farm posted on social media.
Layden noted that Rex is friendly and that wallabies are uncommon sights compared to typical farm animals like goats.
The sanctuary, which also features a petting zoo, expressed relief at the safe recovery.