Learning about the Australian Kangaroo

Kangaroos are one of Australia's most loved animals. They are not often seen in the city outside of animal parks and usually live in the Australian outback.

While they look very cute, even graceful when they are jumping, they can also be dangerous. Kangaroos are very strong and occasionally aggressive. They are considered endangered although their numbers have increased in recent years.

This page is full of facts, photos, songs and links for help you find out more about these amazing Australian animals.

Photo credit: Tannin

Unless credited all images are the authors own.

1. Kangaroos can weigh between 1 and 90 kilograms
2. There are more than 60 different species of Kangaroo
3. Kangaroos are mostly nocturnal - they are usually seen at dawn and dusk
4. A baby Kangaroo is called a Joey and lives in its mothers pouch until it is between 7 and 8 months old
5. The Kangaroos features on a $1 coin and the Australian coat of arms
6. Red kangaroos can grow up to 6 feet tall
7. A newborn kangaroo has no eyes or ears - these develop later when it is in the mothers pouch
8. A group of Kangaroos is known as a mob
9. Kangaroos use their tails to balance
10. Most Kangaroos live between 5-8 years but they can grow to over 20 years

From story books featuring Kangaroos to books chock full of kangaroo facts why not try one of these.

Check out this page that gives the lyrics and explains the meaning of this song.

Photo credit: By Dellex via Wikimedia Commons