Kangaroo
Forests

Red Kangaroo

Osphranter rufus

About

Red kangaroos are the largest land mammal native to Australia. They are marsupials—a newborn baby, or joey, crawls into its mother’s pouch to nurse and grow until it is big enough to explore the world.

Red kangaroos live in dry areas of Australia, feeding on grasses and other plants. They form social groups called “mobs” with about 10 females and their joeys. Males have their own territories and might be seen “boxing” on their hind legs when competing over females.

Kangaroos are famous for hopping, which is an efficient way to cover a lot of ground quickly! They can cover 25 feet in a single bound, using their spring-loaded legs to jump and their tail for balance. Their tail also helps when they’re standing still, like a built-in stool!

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Size
About 3 feet long—plus their tail
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Live in
Australia
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Food
Grasses and other vegetation
IUCN Red List Status
Least Concern
Kangaroo

Conservation

Red kangaroos are abundant throughout Australia and have no major conservation threats as a species. However, they may show stress during drought. As climate change brings more drought to parts of Australia, scientists are watching its impacts on kangaroo species. You can help protect habitats around the world by reducing your use of energy and water resources!

Feed a Kangaroo

Animal Amigos

WHERE ARE THEY AT THE ZOO?

cropped zoo map showing chimpanzee location

Kangaroo Crossing

Discover a bit of Australia right here in Indianapolis! Enjoy a close-up visit with red kangaroos and colorful cockatoos, together in Kangaroo Crossing presented by Citizens Energy Group.