Zoo staff in the West Midlands have praised police officers for recovering baby wallabies stolen from their glass enclosure.

Dudley Zoo's keepers were delighted the marsupials were retrieved after being spotted with youngsters near a travellers' camp in Oldbury.

The two animals, which were found on Friday night after the break-in at 1800 GMT, are still recuperating after their ordeal.

The zoo's senior curator Chris Gough said: "They are very shaken, but we think they will be okay."

Police appeal

Police had appealed for help to trace the creatures, which they feared would not survive the night without their mother.

The baby wallabies need warmth and constant suckling.

Intruders had smashed through thick glass to reach them.

At 1820 GMT, three children were spotted carrying the wallabies across a roundabout near Dudley.

Mr Gough said: "Police found the wallabies after they were spotted by some people at a local factory.

"We would like to praise the police for finding them so quickly.

"It is very fortunate because they are young animals and they are still dependent on their mothers," he added.

No-one has been arrested.