Marsupials including kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats have specialist welfare needs that differ significantly from placental mammals.
Marsupial welfare in zoo settings is complicated by significant physiological and behavioural differences from more familiar placental species. Open kangaroo exhibits can cause stress through unpredictable visitor contact, and nutritional management requires specialist expertise. Progressive facilities design exhibits that allow marsupials to avoid visitor contact when desired and provide appropriate temperature refuges.