Red Kangaroo
Osphranter rufus
Here at Banham Zoo
Standing an impressive 160cm tall, the red kangaroos at Banham Zoo are the largest of all kangaroo species. They can travel up to 8 metres in a single leap and reach speeds of over 35 miles per hour.
Their long tails help with balance as they hop across the wide range of habitats found in Australia, from grasslands to deserts. Kangaroos are marsupials, meaning females have a pouch to care for their young.
Did you know? A young kangaroo is called a joey!
Where Do I Live?
Australia
Red kangaroos live in grassland, semi-desert and desert areas in Australia.
What Do I Eat?
Red kangaroos are herbivores eating mainly grass. They have front teeth in both the upper and lower jaw so can crop grass more closely than sheep, which only have lower front teeth.
How Do I Breed?
A joey is born after 33 days, measuring just 2cm! It spends the next eight months in its mother's pouch and continues to suckle for a further six months after leaving the pouch.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Least Concern (LC)
Lowest risk of endangerment.
The red kangaroo is not considered endangered. The population is currently stable and widely distributed, and they are found in a number of protected areas.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Red Kangaroo
located?
Our
Red Kangaroo
is located in our
Global Zone
, map reference
2
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
