Talking to Lumholtz Tree Kangaroos

Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo

I am so lucky to have a kind husband who always remembers special dates. Our wedding anniversary occurs in August, and Wayne always finds a fun way for us to celebrate our many years together. This year it was our 31st Wedding Anniversary, and he whisked us up to Cairns in Tropical North Queensland to enjoy a break from the winter cold on the Gold Coast and to talk with Lumholtz Tree Kangaroos!

That’s right - kangaroos that have evolved to live in the trees!

We were kindly invited to visit Dr Karen Coombes at her home and rescue centre. Karen and her husband Neil run the not-for-profit charity Tree Roo Rescue and Conservation Centre Ltd. They are the only dedicated tree kangaroo rescue centre in the world! I was able to enter some of the enclosures to “talk” to individual tree kangaroos and ask the “roos” questions about their health, likes, and dislikes.

I am happy to let you know that most of the messages that I received from each Tree Kangaroo fit with their known medical conditions and what Dr Coombes had thought might be an issue. She was delighted and showed me all the Tree Kangaroos in her care on the day. It is so sad that there were so many there, as the species is listed as Near Threatened.

When an animal is "near threatened," it means the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo as close to becoming vulnerable or endangered. The Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo needs to be monitored due to the numbers dropping in the wild. The biggest threat is habitat loss, as well as dog attacks and car strikes that frequently kill these gorgeous animals.

I actually fell in love with these beautiful animals when I spent over 3 years with them at David Fleays as a volunteer keeper. It was here that I first spoke with Karen and found a kindred spirit. I was truly blessed to have the world-renowned expert on our very own Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo to help me when I had a question and needed skilled advice.

I was so happy to be invited to her home and see all that she has done with full passion for these animals without help from any government, local, state or federal. Karen and her husband, as well as some volunteers, work miracles with rescues and rehabilitation of these unique animals. Karen is like me, a person who loves and communicates with animals. When I was there, I was able to share some of my animal communication skills to enhance her skills. It was a magical day. It was the first time my husband really saw me in action with talking to animals and was amazed at how many answers I could give to Karen and have confirmation about a lot of the messages I was given to share with Karen.

We were so lucky to see and talk to so many tree kangaroos, but also the local cassowary family strolled through, which made our day. Atherton Tablelands are so beautiful. In Australia, we are so lucky to have so many different animals and areas that support our wildlife - desert, rainforest, bush and beach - that we can easily visit and learn more about our magical world around us.

If you would like to learn more about these beautiful animals and how you can help Karen with her very important work of rescue and care, please visit the charity’s web page. You can adopt any of her tree kangaroos currently in care with a one-time payment or a monthly donation. There are products there as well you can look over. Karen is one of the smartest and most beautiful people I know. She is an Earth Angel and is here to help save this species. Sadly, she can’t do it alone, and she needs our help. Follow her on her socials, and please send lots of love and healing to Karen, Neil, and all the Tree Kangaroos in her care. Please note that the centre is not open to the public.