Unique species resides at park

A UNIQUE golden tree kangaroo, a species categorised as vulnerable in Papua New Guinea, is now residing at the Port Moresby Nature Park.
Curator Brett Smith said, in a statement, that “Horepai” (or white man), as he was aptly named, is a Golden Doria’s Tree Kangaroo, a species that is endemic to PNG.
“His normal colour should be dark brown but due to a genetic disorder, the pigmentation in his fur has caused him to be golden,” Smith said.
“This is called albinism.
“Albinism is a condition in which there is an absence of melanin, which gives colour to the skin, feathers, hair and eyes.
“Animals with albinism are not only golden (they are generally white) but they also have very pale eyes, often pink or red in colour as the blood vessels show through, or are extremely light blue.
“To date, Horepai is the only albino tree kangaroo known in the world.
“Being the only one in captivity, it gives the wildlife team a firsthand opportunity to learn more about the biology of this animal and the species in particular.”
Nature Park’s wildlife manager Ishimu Bebe said the arrival of Horepai to the park which coincides with the park’s celebration of the tree kangaroo throughout this month (May) got everyone excited, not only the wildlife keepers, but the rest of the staff.
“The feeling is honestly overwhelming, because in all my years of working with PNG’s wildlife, I’ve never thought that I’d have the opportunity to work with and care for a unique animal such as Horepai.
“We are expecting many residents of Port Moresby to come visit Horepai, as he is truly one in a million.”
The park noted that it continued to open daily whilst adhering to the government’s state of emergency restrictions and guidelines from the Health Ministry hence the public encouraged to practice safe distancing and safe care.
“Port Moresby Nature Park is a charity organisation that relies on grants and donor funding to operate. By visiting the park, you help support the Nature Park’s efforts in preserving PNG’s unique natural environment for future generations.”