Red kangaroo
Scientific name: Macropus rufus
IUCN listed as: Least Concern
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
Child-friendly
Everyday
Diet
Red kangaroos munch mainly on plants like grasses and shrubs, which are abundant in their dry habitats. Their special tummies help them get the most out of these tough plants.
Red kangaroos love munching on plants like grasses and shrubs, which they find plenty of in their dry homes. They’ve got special tummies that help them digest these tough plants.
Breeding
When it’s time to have babies, female red kangaroos wait for the right conditions, like when there’s plenty of food. After about a month of waiting, they give birth to tiny joeys, who hop straight into their mum’s pouches to grow big and strong.
When lady kangaroos decide it’s time for babies, they wait for the right conditions, like when there’s lots of food around. After about a month, they give birth to tiny joeys, who hop straight into their mum’s pouches to grow big and strong.
Habitat
These kangaroos are true Aussies, living in the dry parts of Australia like deserts, scrublands, and grasslands. These places give them plenty of food and shelter to survive.
These kangaroos are true Aussies, living in the dry parts of Australia like deserts, scrublands, and grasslands. These places give them plenty of food and shelter to survive.
At the zoo
Red kangaroos in UK zoos are cared for with great attention to their needs. They live in large enclosures designed to resemble their natural Australian habitat, with open grassy areas and shady spots. Their diet includes a mix of hay, fruits, and vegetables to keep them healthy and strong. To keep them active and happy, zoos provide opportunities for hopping and exploring. Conservation efforts also play a vital role in protecting red kangaroos and their habitats in the wild.
In UK zoos, red kangaroos are looked after very well to make sure they’re happy and healthy. They live in big areas that look like where they’re from in Australia, with lots of grass to hop on and shady places to rest. They eat a mix of hay, fruits, and veggies to keep them strong. Zoos give them space to hop around and explore, which they love to do. People also work hard to help keep red kangaroos safe in the wild and make sure their homes stay protected.
Behaviour
Red kangaroos are famous for their hopping skills, zooming around on their strong legs. They’re most active at dawn and dusk when it’s not too hot. They hang out in groups called mobs, making sure to stick together and look out for each other.
Fun facts
- Hop Kings: Red kangaroos can leap up to 30 feet in a single bound, making them hopping champions!
- Pouch Babies: Their mums carry them in pouches, keeping them snug and safe as they grow.
- Tail Assist: Their strong tails help them balance while hopping and sitting.
- Cool Time: They prefer to be active at dawn and dusk, avoiding the scorching sun.
- Mob Family: Living in groups called mobs, they stick together like one big family.
- Super Jumpers: Red kangaroos can leap up to 30 feet in one hop, like superheroes!
- Pocket Babies: Baby kangaroos, called joeys, ride in their mums’ pouches, like comfy kangaroo taxis.
- Tail Tricks: Their strong tails help them balance while hopping and sitting, like a built-in seatbelt!
- Cool Times: They’re most active when it’s cooler, like at dawn and dusk, to avoid the hot sun.
- Gang Life: Red kangaroos hang out in groups called mobs, like one big, hoppy family!
More animals to discover at our zoo
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Routes & info
Like any great discovery, Exmoor Zoo can feel a little off the beaten path – but don’t worry – you can plan your journey with our recommended routes and other useful travel info.
