Kangaroos

Kangaroos are the largest marsupials in the world. They live in Australia and are famous for hopping on their strong back legs. A kangaroo can cover 25 feet in a single hop! Baby kangaroos are called joeys.

Hopping Machines

Kangaroos cannot walk backwards. Their powerful back legs and long tail help them hop at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Hopping is actually more energy efficient than running for kangaroos. Their large tail helps them balance.

An old painting of two red kangaroos in the wild.
An old painting of two red kangaroos in the wild. (John Lewin [attrib.] / Wikimedia Commons)

Joey Life

A newborn joey is only about the size of a grape. It crawls into its mother's pouch right after birth. The joey stays in the pouch for about 9 months, growing and getting stronger. Even after leaving the pouch, joeys hop back in when they are scared.

Fun Facts

  • A group of kangaroos is called a mob.
  • Male kangaroos box each other to compete for mates.
  • Kangaroos can leap over 6 feet high.

Did You Know?

Red kangaroos are the largest marsupials alive today. A big male can stand over 6 feet tall and weigh almost 200 pounds!