Animals & Wildlife · Wildlife Photography
Happiness in a Pouch: Among the Wallabies at Staffordshire’s Peak Wildlife Park
By Kirsty Joanne · · 2 min read
Tucked away in the Staffordshire countryside, Peak Wildlife Park offers something rather magical: the chance to wander among wallabies and, if you’re lucky, lock eyes with a tiny joey peeking out from mum’s pouch. It’s the sort of place that quietly becomes a “happy place”, especially if you have a camera in hand.
Wallabies, close relatives of kangaroos, belong to the macropod family — literally “big foot,” which feels like a slightly unfair description when you see how daintily they hop about. The species you’ll meet here are typically Bennett’s Wallaby, also known as red-necked wallabies. Native to Australia and Tasmania, they’ve adapted remarkably well to the British climate (proof, perhaps, that a good coat solves most problems).
Joey season is when the real charm offensive begins. Baby wallabies (called joeys) are born incredibly tiny, about the size of a jellybean, before making an instinctive journey into their mother’s pouch. Months later, they begin to pop their heads out, blinking at the world as if they’ve just realised they’ve arrived slightly underdressed! Watching them is equal parts adorable and comical; one minute there’s nothing, the next there’s a pair of ears and a curious nose emerging like a surprise guest.
What makes Peak Wildlife Park so special is the immersive experience. The wallabies roam in two walkthrough areas, allowing visitors to observe them behaving naturally, grazing, lounging, or engaging in the occasional gentle boxing match (don’t worry, it’s more “siblings squabbling” than anything dramatic). For photographers, it’s a dream: natural light, open space, and animals that aren’t pressed up against barriers.
Behind the scenes, the park’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation is evident. The team clearly prioritises spacious enclosures, enrichment, and education, helping visitors connect with species they might never otherwise encounter. It’s not just a pleasant day out; it’s actually doing important work in fostering appreciation for wildlife.
If you visit during Joey season, bring patience and a sense of humour. You may find yourself waiting for that perfect shot — the tiny face, the cautious peek — but when it happens, it’s pure joy. And somehow, you’ll leave feeling lighter, as though you’ve borrowed a little of that gentle, hopping optimism for yourself.
