Roger Williams Park Zoo Mourns Loss of Matschie's Tree Kangaroo

Morobe, a beloved 19-year-old tree kangaroo, recently passed away at the zoo.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, announced the passing of Morobe, one of its Matschie's tree kangaroos. Morobe was 19 years old, an impressive milestone for the species, which typically lives 15-20 years in human care. The zoo said Morobe was being monitored for age-related health conditions, but his sudden decline led to the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him.

Why it matters

Matschie's tree kangaroos are a rare and endangered species, with only a few hundred remaining in the wild. The loss of Morobe is significant for the Roger Williams Park Zoo's conservation efforts and its role in educating the public about this unique marsupial.

The details

Morobe first arrived at the zoo in 2021 and was paired with the female Matschie's tree kangaroo, Keweng, for breeding. The couple had two daughters, Paia and Ren. Morobe was known for his laid-back personality, gentle nature with his keepers and fellow tree kangaroos, and his discerning taste, preferring certain leaves and flowers over others.

  • Morobe recently celebrated his 19th birthday.
  • Morobe first came to the zoo in 2021.

The players

Morobe

A 19-year-old Matschie's tree kangaroo who recently passed away at the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Keweng

The female Matschie's tree kangaroo who was paired with Morobe for breeding at the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Paia and Ren

The two daughters of Morobe and Keweng, who were born at the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Mac

Morobe's keeper at the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Roger Williams Park Zoo

A zoo located in Providence, Rhode Island, that was home to Morobe and other Matschie's tree kangaroos.

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What they’re saying

“Morobe recently celebrated his 19th birthday, an impressive milestone for this species, as their average life expectancy is approximately 15-20 years in human care.”

— Roger Williams Park Zoo (wpri.com)

“He had a wonderful, laid-back personality and was always gentle with his keepers and fellow tree roos.”

— Mac, Morobe's keeper (wpri.com)

“He also had the discerning (that is, picky) taste of a gentleman, being the rare individual who would show preference between American and European beech leaves or between red and white mulberry branches. He was also known for eating only the center of any flower he was offered.”

— Mac, Morobe's keeper (wpri.com)

“We are thankful for the time we shared, and for everyone who showed him love.”

— Mac, Morobe's keeper (wpri.com)

The takeaway

The loss of Morobe, a beloved and long-lived Matschie's tree kangaroo, is a significant event for the Roger Williams Park Zoo and its conservation efforts. This rare marsupial's passing highlights the importance of zoos in protecting endangered species and educating the public about the natural world.