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Red kangaroo
An Australian plant-eater with powerful hind legs and a pouch where its young develop.
Jazyk obsahu
Red kangaroos represent Australia's wildlife at Warsaw Zoo. They are among the largest kangaroos, with a clear difference between the sexes: males are larger, while females may have a bluish-grey coat. The species name therefore does not mean that every individual is equally red.
Both hind legs push off together during a hop. They are much larger and stronger than the forelimbs. A long, muscular tail helps with balance and changing direction, and also provides support while the animal rests. This body plan combines powerful propulsion with control over the body's position.
Red kangaroos come from Australia's open landscapes, including grassy plains and dry scrub. As herbivores, they graze on grasses and other plants. They can live with limited water availability, an important ability in the dry interior of the continent.
A newborn is extremely small and undeveloped. It continues growing in its mother's pouch, attaching to a teat and drinking milk over the following months. Before moving independently outside the pouch, it first looks out at its surroundings. This is a very different start from that of mammals whose young can walk shortly after birth.
Pre deti
A kangaroo's strongest legs are at the back. During a hop it pushes off with both of them at the same time, while its long tail helps it balance. Its front paws are smaller. Red kangaroos live in Australia's open landscapes and eat plants, including grass.
In Warsaw you can compare their shape with that of other large mammals. Not all red kangaroos are equally red: females can have greyish fur and are smaller than males.
A newborn kangaroo is tiny and has much growing left to do. It continues developing in a pouch on its mother's belly. There it drinks milk and gradually becomes stronger. Before it starts leaving the pouch, it pokes its head out to discover the surroundings. The pouch is a place for caring for a youngster.
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How does a kangaroo push off during a hop?
- Poloha
- Red kangaroo - location on the zoo map.