Rio Grande Zoo - Featured Species

Red Kangaroo - Macropus rufus

Where in the zoo? Red kangaroos are located on the 'Catwalk' between the Cottonwood Cafe and the polar bears. They are 'catty-corner' from the African Lions.

Where in the world? Central Australia, the state of Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands (between mainland Australia and Tasmania). Kangaroos are found mostly in dry inland areas, preferring open plains where trees and bushes are scarce.

What’s in a name? 'Kangaroo' comes from an Australian aboriginal name for the animal. The scientific genus name Macropus literally means 'long foot' and the species name, rufus means red.

Everyday life: The red kangaroo is active at night and in the cool hours of the evening and morning. During the intense heat of the day (up to 120 F), the red kangaroo is usually resting in the shade. Kangaroos eat a diet of grass and the foliage of low-growing shrubs. They tend to be found near a permanent water source, natural or man-made, although during a drought they can go for long periods without water and will get most of their fluids from the plants they eat.

Breeding: Female kangaroos are fertile throughout the year, but time their breeding to coincide with the availability of food and water. After just 33 days gestation, the female gives birth to an inch-long young 'joey.' The newborn crawls into the mother's pouch immediately where he or she will spend the next 9 months to a year developing. For the first six months, the joey will never leave the pouch and will spend its time nursing. During the final months, the joey is in and out of the pouch learning how to fend for itself.

FACT-scinating: Kangaroos hop because their rear legs cannot move independently of each other on land. However when swimming, rear legs can and do move independently.

Threats: The kangaroo is not considered to be endangered although hunting of it is regulated throughout Australia. To many farmers of Central Australia, kangaroos are considered to be pests.