SANGRIA, the tree kangaroo, has made her bouncing debut at Chester Zoo,

The Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo has arrived as part of a global conservation breeding programme for the species.

Conservationists plan to introduce the 15-year-old to a male in the hope their pair will start a furry family as the species is in danger of extinction in the wild.

It is the first time in the zoo’s 87-year history that this species has resided there.

Sangria will live alongside the UK’s only dusky pademelons – a rare species of miniature wallaby.

Collections director Mike Jordan said: “Many people associate kangaroos with Australia but the Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo actually comes from Papua New Guinea.

"There are no primates on the island and possibly the last thing you’d think would evolve to live in trees is a kangaroo, but that’s exactly where they are found.

“They are very well adapted to live in forests with a long tail to give balance when jumping from branch to branch, curved claws and rubbery soles to help with grip when climbing and strong, stocky arms to help them grasp tree trunks.

“Sadly, these remarkably charismatic and highly interesting animals are teetering on the brink of extinction.

“Hunting for their meat and body parts, combined with deforestation for wood and timber and rice plantations, has all severely reduced their range and subsequently their numbers.

“We really hope that Sangria will help us to create some awareness of the species.”