Eastern Grey Kangaroo
Macropus giganteus
A male kangaroo is called a boomer
a female is called a flyer and a baby
is called a joey.
A group of kangaroos is called a mob.
Kangaroos are marsupials (mammals
with a pouch). Eastern Grey kangaroos
are found in the eastern parts of
Australia; including Tasmania.
Eastern Grey kangaroos often suckle
two young at the one time. The
current year’s young are permanently
in the pouch and last year’s young are
at foot. The two joeys feed from
different teats, which provides them
with different types of milk.
Kangaroo meat is becoming
commonly available in Australian
supermarkets. The meat is always
harvested from wild populations under
strict laws and legislation.
In Australia, native animals are protected
by law. It is illegal to kill, harm or take them
from the wild without a licence or relevant
authorisation. All native animals at Myuna
Farm were bred in captivity and are
included on our Wildlife Licence.
Why are kangaroos and wallabies called macropods?
Because they have big (macro) feet (pods)
INTERESTING FACTS!
► During the Pleistocene period (over twelve thousand years ago), giant carnivorous
(meat eating) kangaroos roamed the continent; they stood up to 3m tall! Today all kangaroos
are herbivourous (they only eat grass and plants), and male Eastern Grey kangaroos can grow
up to 2m tall.
► As a kangaroo’s front teeth get worn out they grow new teeth in the back. These new teeth
at the back move forward to replace the front teeth. This way, kangaroos always have sharp
teeth to chew their food with.