Tree Kangaroos - Ghosts of the Forests

Northern Australia’s Atherton Tableland is the last remaining refuge for the Lumholz tree kangaroo. Verdant rainforest and towering eucalyptus trees provide the perfect environment for this secretive species which was named after the Norwegian explorer who discovered it in 1883. Equally at ease in the trees or on the ground, they are so elusive there were doubts they even existed. For many years, people thought they were a myth.

They are masters at hiding in plain sight. Fourteen species of tree kangaroos are found throughout the world and all are incredibly shy and reclusive. Most are critically endangered.

Shot over 2 years, this film reveals the developing relationship of a mother with her joey, Mabi, as she changes from a baby confined to her mother’s pouch to an expert climber of some of Australia’s tallest trees. Their diet of leaves, flowers and fruit is literally everywhere but they can be unbelievably fussy, and go to elaborate lengths to get the right leaf.