Wallaby, which is like a kangaroo, on the loose in Albion
Provided photo: The DeClerk family in Albion is missing their wallaby, which escaped during a storm four nights ago.
ALBION – A wallaby named Woody is a local a social media sensation, causing a stir and many double-takes by hopping around the northern part of Albion and the Five Corners in Gaines.
Woody is like a kangaroo. He escaped from his enclosure at the DeClerk family on Route 279 during a thunder and lightning storm about four nights ago. Woody is about three feet tall and weighs 40 pounds, said Cary DeClerk, Woody’s owner.
Woody must have been startled during the storm. He hopped above the feeder in his enclosure and squeezed through a 14-by-14-inch opening. He was then in the barn with other animals. DeClerk said a grandchild left the barn door open. There was some added excitement after baby piglets were born. Woody saw an opening and hopped off.
He has been spotted many times near the five corners intersection and in peoples’ backyards along Route 98, just north of the village.
DeClerk said Woody seems to be enjoying his freedom.
“He’s not aggressive,” DeClerk said. “He’s a very friendly animal. He’s carefree. He doesn’t cause any problems.”
If anyone sees the wallaby, DeClerk asked that they give him a call at 585-590-6566. If the animal sneaks into a backyard with a fence or into a garage or barn with a door, people could close the fence or door to hold him until DeClerk gets there.
Otherwise, Woody is difficult to corral.
DeClerk worries Woody could eat a toxin, get hit by a vehicle or get attacked by a coyote. During winter, he might struggle to find food if he stays out in the cold.
DeClerk has two other albino wallabies, and two red kangaroos. He brought a wallaby to the Albion Fall Festival in 2025 as well as some of his other animals.
“I’m losing sleep over this guy being gone,” DeClerk said. “He is a personal friend of mine.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: Cary DeClerk brough an albino wallaby to Albion’s Fall Festival on Oct. 4, 2025.
