Kangaroos are the symbol of Australia. They appear on Australian postage stamps, coins, and even on Autstralian planes.
Usually, kangaroos have one young annually. Females have a pouch in which babies live and drink milk for 8 months.
There are over 50 types of kangaroo. They vary enormously in size. The biggest grow to 2 m, the smallest are 20 cm high.
Kangaroos eat leaves, grass, herbs and roots. They need little water and can go for months without drinking.
Kangaroos travel in groups. The leader dominates younger rivals by kicking, biting and boxing.
Most kangaroos are active at night. The kangaroo moves by hopping. It uses its tail for balance.
When European explorers first saw that animal, they asked an Aborigene what it was called. He replied: Kangaroo. They thought it was the animal's name, but this word meant: I don't understand.
Time for a Rhyme
The brown kangaroo
Is very funny.
She leaps and runs
And hops like a bunny.
And on her stomach
Is a pocket so wide
Her baby can jump in
And go for a ride.
