Runaway Wallaby Rex Recaptured After Wandering New Jersey Walmart Parking Lot Twice
WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J. — A curious wallaby named Rex made an unexpected appearance in the parking lot of a Walmart store in Williamstown, New Jersey, twice in as many days before being safely recaptured on Tuesday night. The 3-year-old marsupial’s brief adventures captured the attention of local shoppers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, highlighting the challenges of managing exotic animals outside their natural habitats.
Rex initially escaped from his enclosure at the Lots of Love Farm sanctuary on Monday after strong winds caused his barn door to remain partially open. Owner Ron Layden explained that the cage inside the barn had not been completely secured, allowing Rex to hop free. Multiple witnesses captured video footage of the wallaby hopping around the Walmart parking lot, an unusual sight that quickly went viral on social media. Klarissa Harper, a local resident, recounted to WPVI-TV how she spotted Rex while running a simple errand. “I was just picking up milk for my little brother. My mom sent me here,” she said. “And I’m leaving the parking lot, and I look over, and something’s hopping in front of my car.”
Despite the initial surprise, the community rallied to help bring Rex home safely. The sanctuary’s Facebook page expressed gratitude to a group of children and their father who assisted in the capture. “If this just didn’t become the best night ever! With the help of some really cool kids and a really cool dad. We caught Rex at the Walmart!! He is home safe and sound! Thank you everyone you’re all amazing. He must really like Walmart,” the post read.
Exotic animal escapes are rare but not unheard of in the United States, where regulations for non-native species vary by state. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife provides guidance on the care and containment of exotic animals to prevent such incidents. According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, owners must ensure that enclosures are secure and that animals are not a risk to public safety.
Rex’s escapade also drew attention to the importance of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Organizations such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service advocate for responsible stewardship of both native and exotic species, emphasizing public safety and animal welfare. While wallabies are native to Australia and not typically found roaming American parking lots, the incident was handled without harm to the animal or people.
Local authorities and animal control officers were on alert during the wallaby’s initial escape, coordinating with the sanctuary to track and secure Rex. The successful capture highlights the effectiveness of community involvement and prompt response in managing unexpected wildlife encounters. For residents interested in learning more about exotic animal regulations and reporting sightings, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service offers resources and guidance.
As for Rex, the wallaby’s penchant for Walmart visits has become a charming local story, reminding everyone that sometimes the most extraordinary wildlife encounters happen in the most ordinary places.
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