Runaway Wallaby Rex Safely Returns to New Jersey’s Lots of Love Farm

WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J. — Rex, the elusive wallaby of Williamstown, has been joyfully reunited with his owners after a brief adventure.

The three-year-old marsupial, belonging to Lots of Love Farm, was discovered Tuesday night close to the Walmart, the last place he was sighted.

“Last night turned into the best night ever! With help from some fantastic kids and a great dad, we managed to catch Rex at Walmart! He’s safe and sound at home now. Thank you, everyone, you’re incredible. It seems he has a fondness for Walmart,” the farm shared in an enthusiastic Facebook update.

Among those who encountered Rex was Klarissa Harper from Franklinville, who spotted the wallaby while shopping on Monday.

“I was just here to grab milk for my little brother, following my mom’s instructions,” Harper explained. “As I was leaving, I glanced over and saw something hopping right in front of my car.”

Harper said she quickly reached for her phone, unsure if her eyes were deceiving her.

“I couldn’t contain my excitement for this whatever – like it’s a kangaroo,” she said.

It wasn’t a kangaroo, but Rex, which escaped from Lots of Love Farm, a petting zoo and animal sanctuary located about a half-mile away.

“Everybody sees a goat. Not too many people see a wallaby,” said owner Ron Layden.

Layden said Rex had been moved to a different enclosure because of the cold, but “the cage didn’t get all the way shut.”