In a heartwarming tale of community spirit and animal rescue, Rex the wallaby's unexpected suburban escapade ended safely Tuesday night after a dramatic 24-hour journey through New Jersey's Gloucester County.

The marsupial fugitive, belonging to Lots of Love Farm in Williamstown, vanished Monday evening after reportedly escaping from his enclosure. Farm owner Ron Layden suggested the escape might have occurred when someone accidentally left Rex's pen open around 4 or 5 p.m.

Monroe Township Police received multiple reports about the unusual traveler, with initial calls describing a 'kangaroo-like' animal hopping precariously near East Malaga Road and South Black Horse Pike. The most intriguing sighting placed Rex in the parking lot of a local Walmart, where social media videos captured the wallaby's adventurous meanderings.

A specialized drone pet locating company assisted in the search, demonstrating the community's commitment to reuniting the small marsupial with its home. By Tuesday night, Rex was safely recovered, much to the delight of Lots of Love Farm, who celebrated the successful rescue with an enthusiastic social media post.

Native to the South Pacific regions like Australia and Papua New Guinea, wallabies are smaller cousins to kangaroos, known for their powerful hind legs and remarkable balancing tails. Rex's urban expedition highlighted both the animal's adaptability and the compassionate response of local residents who helped track and return him safely.

The farm's jubilant message - 'HE MUST REALLY LIKE WALMART!!!LOL' - captured the lighthearted relief of Rex's successful rescue, transforming what could have been a stressful situation into a memorable community moment.