Wallabies as Hopping Lawnmowers

Sick of mowing the lawn? Just get a wallaby! In England, there are wallabies that "mow" the lawn.

Wallabies in England

Imagine that you’re walking through the lush, green fields of sleepy rural Norfolk and you suddenly see a wallaby hopping by. It’s strange but true: near the town of Tacolneston, it might actually happen. “They are amiable creatures, they don't make any noise and they're really quite hearty. "So, if you've got the space, wallabies are perfect - and kids love them, too," said 60 year old farmer and wallaby breeder Quintin Spratt in the British newspaper The Daily Mail.

Your Own Wallaby Lawnmower?

If you’re thinking of getting your own pet wallaby for your little garden, there are a few things to keep in mind. Wallabies are herd animals and need a lot of space. It would be cruel to keep them alone in a small garden. "You need at least half an acre for a pair, along with a 9 feet high fence" said Spratt. "They are cute, but they're not pets. They also don't like dogs and are poor security guards." Spratt finds the animals fascinating so it’s a dream come true for him. "I've been on the farm all my life“ he says „and I've always been interested in exotic animals."

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Red-necked Wallaby Red-necked Wallaby - Photo: tony mills/Shutterstock

Wallabies in England for Over 100 Years

Even though wallabies are actually from Australia, they’re not new in England. The oldest and largest colony from Tasmania was introduced in England in 1889 by Sir Edmund Loder. "We estimate that our wallabies do the work of two full-time gardeners," said Robin Loder, Sir Edmund’s great great grandson. "We have a number of very steep, grassy banks and areas where it is impossible for a lawnmower to reach, but which the wallabies keep trim and in good order." He told The Daily Mail:

"We love them, because they also eat all the brambles but keep away from the plants and provide natural fertiliser for the bluebells and wildflowers as they go." "They work hard, they're totally green, they don't draw wages, they don't take holidays and they're wonderfully natured. What more could you want?"

Wallabies and the Native Animals

Robin Loder has this to say: Unlike deer, rabbits and other animals, "they have a rubbery underside to their feet so they don't make deep tracks." Wallabies also don’t hunt or take food from other animals.