Kangaroo

KANGAROO'S

Kangaroo’s are a national symbol of Australia. Our Australian airline Qantas also uses the Kangaroo as their symbol. The Kangaroo also features under Australia’s coat of arms, coins and postage stamps.

Kangaroo’s are marsupials.  A baby Kangaroo is called a Joey. A male Kangaroo is a boomer and a female Kangaroo a flyer.  A Kangaroo usually live to around six years old.

There are four different Kangaroo species:

1. Red Kangaroo
2. Eastern Grey Kangaroo
3. Western grey Kangaroo
4. Antilopine Kangaroo

The Red Kangaroo is the largest Kangaroo and therefore largest marsupial in the world. The Red Kangaroo can grow up to 2 metres and can reach a top speed of over 65 km/h.

On land Kangaroo hop around quickly on their hind legs or slowly on all four legs. Kangaroos cannot walk backwards. However, Kangaroos can swim by kicking each leg independently. A Kangaroos legs are very powerful and potentially dangerous. Their legs allow them jump as high as three times their height.