I’m a Kangaroo

I love to hop around to get places.

I jump higher and faster than any animal on the planet.

Rabbits, frogs and grasshoppers are no competition as I out jump them all.

I live in the wilds of Australia.

I roam around in the outback, the grasslands, forests and plains.

There are 4 species of kangaroos.

Kangaroos grow to 6 feet tall as adults.

You’d never believe that’s possible if you were to see a baby kangaroo.

New born kangaroos are known as joeys. They’re the tiniest little creatures no larger than an inch and are blind and under developed.

They crawl into their mother’s pouch where they feed and grow for 6 months developing and maturing.

After feeding in the pouch for another 6 months they will exit their mother’s pouch permanently at about a year old and live alongside their mother in the wild.

It’s a miracle how a joey, the size of a jelly bean grows to a kangaroo at 6 feet tall within two years.

Kangaroos are very protective of their young both inside their pouch and when they’re ready to leave their pouch all throughout their growing years.

Kangaroos live in groups and are very social. They protect each other and live together as a mob both male and female and their young.

Kangaroos are shy and docile animals and incredible to see in the wild.

Kangaroos must be careful as they have been victims in car related accidents in Australia similar to deers in their native lands.

Kangaroos in the wild are lucky if they live to 10 years. In captivity they can live for 20 years.

Kangaroos are native to Australia but some do live in zoos around the world where they are protected and their living conditions are comparable in temperature and environment.

Children love to see kangaroos so they can visit them in zoos and animal sanctuaries where they are able to get a close up view to see how beautiful they are.

There are smaller kangaroos called tree-kangaroos that actually live in trees and they are native to Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia.

Kangaroos on land feed off grass, plants, shrubs and flowers while tree-kangaroos feed off tree bark, fruit, vegetation, tree leaves, flowers and nuts.

Birds beware of tree-kangaroos.

Children can learn about kangaroos at the zoo, by reading about them at the library, school or at home and by watching them on the big screen or on television.

A very popular cartoon that features the kangaroo is Winnie the Pooh and his friends Roo and Kanga.

There are also documentaries that feature the kangaroo showcasing it’s amazing qualities and beauty in their native Australia.

Australia is a beautiful place to live. It is my home. The outback, grasslands, forests and savannas are where you will see me.

Bring your camera to get some pictures. You will be amazed.

I’m a kangaroo.