You may call this little Australian female bilby Jane -- as in, after the legendary Dr. Jane Goodall.
The cute marsupial was named at a ceremony organised by RSPCA Queensland, and Save The Bilby Fund co-founder, Frank Manthey on Sunday.
Little Jane joins the orchid Dendrobium goodallianum, and the Jane Goodall Environmental Sciences Academy in honouring the famed conservationist.
"Dr. Jane Goodall is a living legend and one of the greatest conservationists of all time," Manthey said. "She's been an idol of mine for so many years, and to finally get to meet her is, well, words won't describe it."
Goodall, who is in Australia for a speaking tour, was taken aback by the gesture.
"I've never had a bilby named after me," Goodall said, according to ABC News. "It's wonderful to meet these animals that I worked so hard to help conserve."
The little bilby is one of triplets -- its siblings were named Daisy and Blossom. The trio will be part of a captive breeding program.
The bilby, found in parts of the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland, has long found itself at risk of introduced predators. It's currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.
"Every year their numbers decline, and that's because of feral animals that we've introduced into our country," he said. "I'm a little disappointed that state and federal governments for a long time have put their head in the sand. It just breaks my heart, really."
The naming ceremony comes ahead of National Bilby Day on Sep. 10, an event Manthey has long fought for and hopes will lift the bilby's profile.
"It is our planet, and it's up to each and everyone of us to make sure our kids get to see something," he said.
Topics Animals
