35 mph wallaby triggers drone hunt after New Jersey Walmart sighting

New Jersey authorities launched a drone search after a wallaby named Rex escaped an animal farm in Gloucester County and was spotted hopping through a Walmart parking lot. Rex, a 3 year old wallaby, wandered away from Lots of Love Farm in Williamstown on Monday night after a gate was left unlatched, according to the farm’s owners. The marsupial was seen nearly five miles away Tuesday morning. Owner Sue Layden said Rex can leap almost 10 feet and reach speeds up to 35 mph. “They get hoppin’,” she said. Layden said Rex is friendly and well socialized, adding that visitors regularly pet him. She told Fox News Digital that he loves romaine lettuce and usually stays close to home. Officials warned residents not to chase the animal, noting wallabies are prey animals that run when frightened. A drone pet locating company has been brought in to help track him safely. For now, Rex remains loose, with his pen left open at the farm. New Jersey does not often deploy drones for Australian wildlife, but this week has been an exception.