Red Kangaroo
Friends, today we are heading to Australia to learn about an AMAZING critter called the Red Kangaroo! These mammals are the largest in Australia and the largest marsupial in the WORLD.
Let’s get a closer look!
Critter At A Glance
What makes these critters special? Red Kangaroos are marsupials, which means they carry their babies in special pouches on their tummies. They have a super strong tail which acts like a leg when they walk slowly. And, the males can jump as far as 30 feet in one leap! They are very good at controlling their body heat even in the blazing sun. Their fur helps keep their body cool, and they even lick their legs to help keep cool too!
How do their babies develop? Newborn “joeys” start out as tiny 1 inch babies. They stay in their mothers pouch and drink milk until they are big enough. 8 month old joeys are able to hop in and out of their mother’s pouch to practice independence.
What do they need to survive? Red Kangaroos eat grass and other vegetation. They can survive without water by getting moisture from plants they eat.
Don’t miss Isla’s adventure!
Are you ready for an out of this world fact?
Since Red Kangaroos have their eyes positioned further on the sides of their heads, they have 300° vision. This is almost all the way around!
Critter Protectors we need you
to join the CritterQ
It’s time to put your jumping skills to the test.
You need:
A Measuring tape, ruler, or yardstick
1 Kangaroo printed from below for each person
An open space for jumping
A poster board or wall space to display a jumping graph
Directions:
1. Start by printing off 1 kangaroo below per person. Allow everyone to cut out and write names on each kangaroo.
2. Take turns jumping and measuring how far you make it.
3. After after everyone tries, display each kangaroo on a graph.
<= pdf download
“Red Kangaroo - Facts, Diet & Habitat Information.” Animal Corner, https://animalcorner.org/animals/red-kangaroo/. Accessed 14 Apr. 2022.