Police, Zoo Workers Searching for Escaped Wallaby in Cape May Court House, NJ
UPDATE — Cletus, the 2-year-old male wallaby, has been safely recovered by the CMC Zoo Team and is on his way home. Zoo officials have already begun an investigation to determine exactly how Cletus found himself on the wrong side of the wallaby enclosure.
Our original report continues below.
Cape May Court House, N.J. — Authorities in Cape May County are searching for an escaped wallaby.
Wandering Wallaby in Cape May County
A Facebook post by the Cape May County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday morning said its deputies, along with the Middle Township Police Department and the Cape May County Zoo, are out looking for the animal.
According to officials, the young wallaby escaped from her enclosure at the Cape May County Park & Zoo overnight. They are asking you to avoid the Sandcastle Drive area to allow for a safe and smooth recovery.
If you spot the animal, you are advised to not approach her. Instead, "give the animal space" and call 9-1-1 or Middle Township Police at (609) 465-8700.
Not Exactly Native
For the sake of saying it, wallabies are not native to the Jersey Shore. Typically, they're found in New Zealand, Hawaii, the United Kingdom, and other countries.
Looking much like a kangaroo, they are typically much smaller.
Not the First Escaped Wallaby in South Jersey
Interestingly enough, this is not the first time a wallaby has been on the run in South Jersey.
Rex, a 3-year-old wallaby who lived on a farm in Williamstown, Gloucester County, escaped at the end of 2025 after someone left a gate open. The creature, which was initially spotted in front of Walmart in that town, was eventually caught after hopping around Monroe Township for a few days.
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Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com
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