Escaped Wallaby From New Jersey Farm Safely Recovered Near Monroe Township Store

Officials and the farm reported that a young wallaby that escaped from a local wildlife sanctuary has been found and returned to custody.

Rex the wallaby escaped from Lots of Love Farm, an animal refuge and petting zoo in Williamstown, Monroe Township, Gloucester County. The animal escaped after an enclosure was left unlocked, according to local authorities.

Monroe Township police were contacted Monday evening when Rex nearly escaped a vehicle near a busy thoroughfare. Police responded at East Malaga Road and South Black Horse Pike at 9:05 p.m. after receiving complaints of the loose animal. The wallaby was then observed near a Walmart a mile from the refuge, sparking safety worries for the animal and vehicles.

Local residents helped Lots of Love Farm find and rescue Rex near Walmart on Tuesday. The farm said a local coach and adjacent families helped find and rescue the animal without injury.

The incident did not damage Rex, who was restored to a safe environment by farm staff. To avoid repeat incidents, they stressed the significance of locking enclosures.

The event ended safely, but escaping animals can pose a concern in busy settings. After the animal approached moving vehicles during the initial sighting, police prioritized public safety and injury prevention.

Lots of Love Farm is a petting zoo and animal sanctuary offering supervised animal housing. No injuries or property damage were reported, and no charges or citations were made.

Quick community response and coordination between animal caretakers and local law enforcement can resolve unanticipated animal crises in populated areas.

Sources

Monroe Township Police Department
Lots of Love Farm (Official Statements)