It is not every day that northern Finland makes headlines for something typically Australian. But this spring, a rare albino kangaroo born in Finland has done exactly that. The white joey, with its pink eyes and soft snow-colored fur, made its first appearance at Arkadia Animal Park in Simo, and the buzz has not stopped since.
First Albino Kangaroo Born in Finland Stuns Wildlife Experts
The joey is the third child of red-necked wallabies Miina and Manu, who were originally brought over from the Netherlands four years ago. While kangaroo births are uncommon in Lapland, an albino birth is on another level of rare. The odds? Somewhere between one in fifty thousand and one in one hundred thousand, according to experts.
When the baby first peeked its tiny face out of the pouch, caretakers noticed something unusual. It had pinkish eyes. No sign of the usual brown or grey fur either. Just a clear sign of albinism.
Päivi Ruotsalainen, the animal park’s owner, shared her thoughts with quiet pride.
“People usually think albino animals are fragile. But this little one is full of energy. It has already started running outside the pouch and looks incredibly healthy,” she said.
The baby kangaroo has shown curious behavior since emerging. Whether it is testing its speed or poking its head out to explore, it does not seem shy.
In the wild, albino kangaroos often face challenges like poor eyesight, vulnerability to predators, and extreme sunlight. But in the safety of the park, most of those risks are eliminated. Even so, Päivi and her team are taking no chances.
“If the sun gets intense, we apply sunscreen to our pigs. We will do the same for the joey if needed. But for now, there’s plenty of shade and indoor space,” she explained.
Miina, the mother, continues to care for her newborn closely. Grooming, feeding, and staying near her baby as it grows bolder each day. Manu, the father, also shares the space and appears calm around his new child. All three kangaroos live peacefully in a shared enclosure.
This is not Miina’s first baby. She had another joey last year, but the arrival of this albino joey has made a special mark.
Finland Has Seen This Before, But Barely
While it is not the first time a white wallaby has been spotted in Finland, it is far from common. In 2018, a wallaby named Willy Wonka briefly escaped in the Åland Islands, capturing media attention during a thunderstorm. But unlike that moment, this joey was born and raised on Finnish soil.
Visitors and Wildlife Fans Are Taking Notice
Since the birth, more people have shown interest in Arkadia Animal Park. Some come for the rare sight, others to support wildlife conservation. The park staff is continuing to monitor the joey’s development closely, ensuring its health and comfort through every stage.
Though the young kangaroo has not yet been named, it is already a quiet celebrity. In a land better known for reindeer and snow, this tiny albino kangaroo stands out like a dream.
