Indonesia is returning 17 rare pygmy kangaroos to the Papuan rain forest after rescuing and acquiring them in recent years from illegal traders and private zoos, officials said Monday. It is unknown how many of the mammals, which can grow up to three-feet long and weigh 25 pounds, still survive in the wild.The animals being released were born to six males and females cared for by the Cikananga Animal Rescue Center on West Java where they have been reared to survive in their natural habitat, said spokesman Resit Sozer.
They are to be released on Tuesday into the forest, where they will face predators such as giant pythons and local poachers who eat their meat or sell their hides.
