Red kangaroo

At the Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoo has a mob of more than 20 kangaroos, including a four-generation family. The family started with the Zoo's oldest 'roo, Sydney II, who was born in 1996 and gave birth to Alice in 2001. Visitors can spot Alice by her two big white toes. She is the mother of Stirling, born in 2012, who recently gave birth to a joey. Kangaroos maintain tight family bonds much like this one. Our mob of red kangaroos shares the Australian Outback Adventure with their close cousins, the red-necked wallabies. Visitors can get face-to-face with the marsupials from right inside their habitat, traveling along a winding path while the animals are free to bound and graze wherever they please.

The red kangaroo is the world’s largest marsupial. The male red kangaroo’s fur is a reddish-brown color. The female is also reddish-brown but her coat has a blue tint to it, giving her the nickname “blue flier”. It uses its strong, large tail to help balance while hopping and sitting. Its short forearms are used for balance while moving. The female has a pouch on her abdomen which is used to raise her young.


Scientific name: Macropus rufus
Continent: Australia
Habitat: Grasslands and deserts
Size: 3-6 feet tall
Weight: Up to 200 pounds
Diet: The red kangaroo is an herbivore and eats grass, shoots, herbs and leaves.
Reproduction: Gestation one month, but will stay in mother's pouch for 130 days; one joey
Lifespan: 23 years
Conservation Status: Least Concern



The red kangaroo can reach speeds of up to 35 mph and can cover 25 feet per jump.

A red kangaroo cannot jump or walk backwards due to its large hind legs and muscular tail.

A group of kangaroos is called a mob.