Common name: Red Kangaroo
Scientific name: Macropus rufus
At the zoo: Kira (female, 11y) and male kangaroos: Mr. T (5y), Hogan (4y), and Stallone (5y), who, along with our wallabies, are in our new large Wallaby Walkthrough exhibit across from the capybara towards the center of the zoo.
Habitat:
Red Kangaroos are native to Central Australia. They prefer sparsely wooded or open plains with plenty of shade.
Diet:
They feed on green vegetation, particularly fresh grasses and leaves.
Median Life Expectancy:
20 years
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Biology:
Red kangaroos are the largest marsupials and live in the grassland and scrubland of central Australia where it is hot and dry. They prefer areas with scattered trees where there is some relief from the sun. As grazers, red kangaroos play an important role in shaping vegetation communities in the ecosystems in which they live.
Kangaroos have long ears, long, strong tails and powerful hind legs they use for hopping. The front limbs of a Red Kangaroo are small and short with heavily-clawed digits. Males are typically red coloured whereas the females tend to be more of a grey colour.
Humans are the primary source of predation for red kangaroos. Kangaroos have been heavily hunted for their meat and hide and are protected in Australian national parks within their native range.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that a baby kangaroo, or joey, is only 2.5 cm at birth?!
