Kangaroo

The kangaroo is one of the most famous animals in the world, known for its strong legs and long tail. It moves by hopping and carries its babies in a pouch. Kangaroos are calm, grass-eating animals that live in the open lands of Australia.

 Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Mammalia

• Order: Diprotodontia

• Family: Macropodidae

• Genus: Macropus

Common Names

• Kangaroo

• Roo (short nickname)

• Joey (for baby kangaroos)

• Wallaroo (a smaller, related species)

 Geographic Distribution

Kangaroos live mostly in:

• Australia

• Tasmania

• Some nearby islands

They are found in:

• Grasslands

• Forests

• Open plains

• Even deserts

Image showing Kangaroo standing in the Australian outback (Source: Shutterstock)

 Physical Characteristics

• Height: Up to 2 meters (6.5 feet)

• Weight: 20 to 90 kg depending on species

• Tail: Long and muscular, used for balance

• Ears: Large and upright

• Feet: Big and strong for jumping

Kangaroos can jump more than 9 meters in one hop and move very fast when needed.

 Types of Kangaroos

1. Red Kangaroo

Image showing a red kangaroo on dry land (Source: Shutterstock)

• Largest kangaroo species

• Males are reddish in color, females grayish

• Live in dry and open areas

2. Eastern Grey Kangaroo

Image showing a group of Grey kangaroo in grassy field (Source: Unsplash)

• Slightly smaller than red kangaroo

• Lives in forests and woodlands

• Very social and active during cool hours

3. Western Grey Kangaroo

Image showing Western grey kangaroo in bushy terrain (Source: Wikipedia)

• Found in southern and western Australia

• Has a dark face and soft fur

• Males called “Stinkers” because of strong smell

What do kangaroos eat?

Kangaroos are herbivores, meaning they eat plants only. Their diet includes:

• Grass

• Leaves

• Bushes

• Roots

They feed mostly in the early morning and late evening when it’s cooler.

How do kangaroos raise babies?

• A baby kangaroo is called a joey.

• It is born very tiny and climbs into the mother’s pouch.

• It stays in the pouch for about 6 to 8 months, growing and drinking milk.

• After that, it comes out slowly and learns to hop and eat grass.

Fun facts about kangaroos

• Kangaroos can’t walk backward, only forward.

• They can jump over 3 times their own height.

• A group of kangaroos is called a mob, troop, or court.

• They use their tail as a “fifth leg” when walking slowly.

• Kangaroos are symbols of Australia and appear on the national coat of arms.

 Importance to Humans

Positive Roles:

• Loved for tourism and wildlife interest

• Appear on coins, logos, and emblems

• Studied by scientists for muscle and jumping power

• Their grazing helps manage grass growth in the wild

Challenges:

• Can damage farms and crops when in large groups

• Sometimes hit by vehicles at night

• Conflict with pets or fences in shared spaces

 Health & common issues

Kangaroos are strong, but like all animals, they can face some problems:

Common Health Concerns:

• Wounds from fights (especially males)

• Parasites like ticks and worms

• Road injuries

• Dehydration during hot seasons

• Muscle damage from overuse

Veterinary Care Tips (for rescued or zoo kangaroos):

• Plenty of space to hop and rest

• Clean food and water

• Regular health checks

• Calm and quiet environment for mothers with joeys

Conservation Status

• Most kangaroo species are not endangered

• Populations are stable or even rising in some areas

• Protected by Australian law

• Hunted under strict rules for meat or leather

Some species, like tree kangaroos and wallabies, are more at risk due to habitat loss.

 Kangaroo vs Wallaby

Image showing Kangaroo mother with joey peeking from pouch under the sun (Source: Live Science).

In case you are curious about exotic animals or wild rescue care, you can reach out to us at Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital or call 08143397614.