Out in the open: The baby wallaby who hid in his mother's pouch surprises safari staff

The latest arrival at West Midland Safari Park is proving to have a real spring in it's step.

Believed to have been born sometime in November, this tiny white wallaby surprised zoo staff this week when he was spotted for the first time in his mother's pouch.

The first wallaby of the year has appeared much earlier than anticipated given the intense cold weather. The influx of babies wallabies usually starts from February onwards.

Enjoying life in his mother's pouch: The Joey can now be seen in the White Wallaby reserve at the UK's West Midland Safari Park

'It is likely that the wallaby was born early November, hidden from view and thriving in mum's pouch,' said Bob Lawrence, the park's director of wildlife.

'It is certainly unusual to see a Joey, as they are known, this early in the year, given that it has been such a harsh winter with temperatures in the animal reserves reaching as low as -19 degrees,' he added.

The 23 adult White Bennett's Wallabies at the park have a royal connection.

They are descended from the original wallabies that were given as a gift to the Queen.