Greater Patchogue coverage is funded in part by New Village at Patchogue, open-concept rental residences with sleek contemporary design. Click here for a tour.
There’s a new face behind the counter at Country Critters in Patchogue.
And it’s super cute.
Pipper, a 7-month-old female wallaby, is the newest addition to the exotic pet shop at 152 Medford Avenue.
The young marsupial will be available to see everyday starting at 12:30 p.m. near the cash register.
And she’ll always be with her keeper, Michelle Hope.
“She’ll eventually be trained to walk around the store so kids can see her,” said manager Bill Dangelo. “We want [her] to be an attraction.”
With her long tail, pointed nose, and long legs, some customers mistake Pipper for a young kangaroo, says Hope.
Though similar, the wallaby is distinctly different in size and life expectancy, according to National Geographic .
As a cousin species to the kangaroo family, the wallaby grows up to 40 pounds, 40 inches and lives to around 15 years, while kangaroos grow to 200 pounds, six feet and age to about 25 years old.
Both species originate from Australia and its surrounding islands.
Pipper was purchased six weeks ago from a Florida breeder.
But for those interested in owning a pint-sized kangaroo, Pipper will not be up for sale.
“You need a USDA license in order to purchase a wallaby,” says Dangelo.
At the end of each day, Hope takes home the small wallaby for training and nurturing.
“As a baby, I have to give her a bottle every four hours,” explained Hope. “We expect [Pipper] to grow to around 30 inches and 30 pounds.”
