Wallaby named Rex found and returned after escaping from New Jersey animal farm

Rex, the wallaby who disappeared Monday evening from an animal sanctuary in South Jersey after escaping from his enclosure, was found safe and sound Tuesday evening.

Lots of Love Farm in Williamstown, New Jersey, said Rex was found at the Williamstown Walmart off Black Horse Pike, near where he was first spotted Monday evening.

“THANK YOU EVERYONE, YOU ARE ALL AMAZING,” Lots of Love Farm wrote on Facebook. “HE MUST REALLY LIKE WALMART!!!LOL.”

A group of teenagers helped capture Rex after he spent about 24 hours roaming Gloucester County. Gavin Buniak and his friends argued with Rex before taking him home.

Ron Layden, owner of Lots of Love, said it was possible someone accidentally left Rex’s pen open before he escaped around 4 or 5 p.m. Monday.

“It’s probably hidden somewhere,” Layden said Tuesday morning. “But I don’t think the cold will bother him.”

Monroe Township police said several officers responded to reports of a “kangaroo” on the loose that was almost hit by a car while crossing the street near East Malaga Road and South Black Horse Pike Monday evening, and also received a call about the wallaby spotted at Walmart.

Multiple videos posted to social media showed a kangaroo-like animal hopping outside the store before it was located Tuesday.

Lots of Love Farm said a drone animal tracking company helped with the search.

Wallabies are similar to kangaroos, but a little smaller. They use their long tail for balance and usually hop on their powerful hind legs. They are native to areas of the South Pacific like Australia and Papua New Guinea.