Wallaby update: After getting hit by car in Halawa, rare wallaby is OK

HALAWA (HawaiiNewsNow) - A wallaby that sought refuge at the Halawa Correctional Facility on Friday after it was hit by a car in the area is OK, according to city officials.

The mini marsupial has been hanging out in the Halawa area for weeks.

And on Friday afternoon, after getting hit, the animal was seen sitting just inside the facility. On Saturday, the city confirmed the animal was picked up and transported to the Honolulu Zoo in stable condition. The wallaby (gender unknown) is also reportedly eating and is in fairly healthy condition.

According to zoo officials, the animal does have an eye injury, but it doesn't appear as anything life-threatening.

Zoo staff are still assessing the possibility of releasing it back into the wild, though it is likely it will remain in captivity.

The state said over the last 15 years, at least two other wallabies have been injured and undergone rehab at the zoo.

Wallabies are native to Australia, but have been been spotted in the islands.

In 2009, local wildlife experts estimated there was a population of about 40 wallabies on Oahu. They were said to have formed colonies from Nuuanu to Halawa Valley, and even Kalihi Valley.

This story may be updated.

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