Albino Kangaroo Gets Name ‘Rebel’

McKENZIE (June 15) — An albino male kangaroo, born at Southland Safari in Clarksburg, has a new name, “Rebel.” Southland Safari is owned by Chris and Tosha Gurley. The seven-month-old kangaroo was born as an albino, a rare occasion. It’s parents are both gray kangaroos.

Tosha and daughter, Natalie, brought the kangaroo to Hometown Hangout on Saturday, June 15 and held a contest to name the baby kangaroo. The event was scheduled along with a free concert by 24/7 band. Attendees submitted their recommended name for the kangaroo. Three names were selected — Ralph, Rebel, and King. Brooke King Cooper, lead singer with 24/7, announced the three names with the audience giving their applause for their selection. The name ‘Rebel’ was the clear winner. Betsy Campbell provided the suggested name of ‘Rebel.”

Tosha said the baby kangaroo was born at Southland Safari to a mother who could not produce milk. The Gurleys had to order kangaroo milk to feed the baby kangaroo. He was kept in the safari’s nursery and will remain at the safari for visitors to view along with hundreds of other domestic and exotic animals.