Rare new animal arrives at family-run farm

By Dean Murray

A farm is celebrating a double baby boom after welcoming two rare new arrivals.

Following the recent news of the birth of a Shire foal, Cannon Hall Farm in Barnsley has revealed that a long‑nosed potoroo joey has also made its debut.

Potoroos are nocturnal marsupials native to south‑eastern Australia and resemble small wallabies. Listed as near threatened, their numbers in the wild have declined, and Cannon Hall Farm’s mammal house has been working to support conservation efforts for the species.

The tiny joey, believed to be around four months old, has only just ventured out of the pouch of first‑time mum Puffle, marking a significant moment for the farm’s breeding programme.

Georgie Kaye, head of mammals at Cannon Hall Farm, said: “Conservation was really why I got into this job, obviously being close to lovely animals is a bonus but I felt really strongly that protecting species and conservation was something I wanted to get involved with."

Farmer Rob Nicholson, whose family run the visitor attraction, added: “It really is a case of little and large on these new arrivals. Both very rare animals that we are doing our best to protect here on the farm. We are so proud of our conservation efforts and that we can share these with our visitors.”

The potoroo arrival follows the recent birth of a Shire foal to Silver, a mare at the farm who delivered in February after a 12‑month pregnancy.

The new foal represents a valuable boost for the Shire breed, whose declining population has placed them on the at‑risk register. Shire horses were once the backbone of British farming, and breeders are working hard to protect their future.