Rare albino kangaroo born to albino mother at Finnish farm

A farm in Toijala, Akaa, has welcomed an exceptionally rare albino kangaroo joey, with both the newborn and its mother being albino, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The birth came as a double surprise, as the pregnancy was unknown and albino kangaroos occur in only about one in 50,000 to 100,000 individuals. The joey, a red-necked wallaby, currently spends most of its time in its mother’s pouch.

The farm’s owner, Reijo Paunu of Rockwood Alpacas, described the moment the pink-eyed joey first peeked out of its mother’s pouch as a “positive shock.” “We were stunned—those red eyes just staring back at us,” Paunu said. The family initially doubted the joey’s unusual coloring, double-checking photos to confirm its bright red eyes and white fur.

This is the second albino kangaroo born at the farm in less than a year. The mother, named Välke (Finnish for “spark”), was herself an albino joey born in Lapland last year. The farm acquired its five kangaroos—two adults, two juveniles, and Välke—after a wildlife park in Simo closed last autumn. Paunu emphasized keeping the family together, having learned the importance of social bonds from his alpacas.

The joey, still unnamed, remains mostly in its mother’s pouch, where it will stay for months, occasionally venturing out briefly. The farm is considering names beginning with “V” once the joey’s sex is known. Meanwhile, another joey born in late February to a different mother is already becoming more active.

Caring for albino kangaroos requires special attention, as their sensitivity to sunlight means ample shade must be provided. The farm has consulted Helsinki’s Korkeasaari Zoo for guidance, as they also keep red-necked wallabies.

Rockwood Alpacas, home to over 60 alpacas, llamas, and other animals, engages in animal-assisted therapy, visiting care homes and hosting groups. While their alpacas are accustomed to interactions, the kangaroos—naturally shy—are still being gently socialized. Paunu hopes the joeys may one day join visits, noting that similar wallabies abroad have been trained as “cuddle kangaroos.”

For now, the kangaroo family enjoys quiet days in their barn, with the farm’s staff eagerly awaiting the albino joey’s first confident steps outside its mother’s pouch.