Characteristics
Red Kangaroos are marsupials, meaning a mammal that carries offspring in a pouch. Native to Australia, red kangaroos are the largest living marsupial.
In Australia, females are known as does or fliers and males are known as boomers or stinkers due to their strong odor.
The male red kangaroo is typically a red-brown color and the females are more bluish-grey. However, some red females and bluish-grey males also occur, as well as individuals of intermediate shades.
Behavior
Red Kangaroos are often found resting in the shade during the heat of the day. They are most active from late afternoon to early morning. To cool the body through evaporation, kangaroos lick their forearms. With powerful hind legs, these animals are able to reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour!
Our Animals
Potter Park Zoo is home to six red kangaroo – Roothie, a female born in 2013 at the St. Louis Zoo, Bernie, a male born in 2016 at the St. Louis Zoo, and males Phoenix, Larry, Moe and Curly all born in 2019 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. All of them enjoy sunbathing and dirt baths.
