A rare tree kangaroo's transfer from the Gold Coast to Western Australia is being held up by paperwork, leaving two females waiting, ready to help repopulate the species.

Huli the Goodfellows tree kangaroo enjoys climbing trees, eating broccoli and being scratched on the chest. (ABC Gold Coast:Damien Larkins)

The two-year-old Goodfellows tree kangaroo, named Huli, has been chosen to breed with two females at the Perth Zoo.

The species is native to Papua New Guinea, but numbers are in decline and it has been classified as critically endangered.

Born and bred at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Huli enjoys a healthy salad for breakfast, has his own bachelor pad (next door to his parents' place) and enjoys the occasional chest scratch.

Mammal supervisor Sarah Eccleston says it will be the first time Huli has taken part in a breeding program.

"He's lived next door to his mum and dad his whole life, so he really doesn't know what's about to hit him," she said.

Huli was due to fly to Perth by the end of April, but Sarah says quarantine permits have been held up.

"He's delayed by paperwork, the poor guy," she said.

"Imagine how he feels."

Hopes are high that when he does eventually get to Perth, he will impress the two female tree kangaroo there.

"Tree kangaroos do breed well in captivity, as long as Huli can stand up to those girls," Sarah said.

"The girls can be a little bit feisty."

The Perth Zoo says animal transfers can take months to years to complete and permits, paperwork and quarantine can often see timelines bump out.

'He's a sweetheart'

Sarah has cared for Huli since he was first discovered in his mother's pouch.

"I may have been known to sneak in a few too many cuddles with him," she said.

"I adore him, I think he's lovely."

Huli has grown to around eight kilograms and nimbly uses his tail, which is more than double his body length, to provide balance as he climbs through the branches.

"He's a sweetheart, he really is," she said.

"When he was very small he was quite shy... but now he's really developed a personality."

The Currumbin Wildlife carers are excited for Huli but will be sad to see him go.

"You have a soft spot for some of them and he's one that I really do have a soft spot for," Sarah said.

Fortunately for Sarah, Huli's parents may just have another one on the way and soon Currumbin may be filled with the pitter-patter of tiny tree kangaroo paws once again.