Animal Facts > Kangaroos

There are three species of the marsupial known as the kangaroo, all native to Australia. The Red Kangaroo is the most recogniziable of the the three and also the largest. The male can reach 6 feet 6 inches in height and up to 200 pounds. The other two species are the Eastern Grey and the Western Grey.

Kangaroos are best known for their large powerful legs and long muscular tail, which it uses for balance. They are the only large mammal to use hopping as a means of locomotion. Speeds average around 13 - 16 mph but can reach as fast as 43mph.

Kangaroos are nocturnal herbivores, feeding on grass and roots. Their life expectancy is about 18 years.

Male kangaroos are called bucks, boomers, or jacks. Females are called does, jills, or flyers. The young are called joeys and a group is a mob.