Fast Facts

Did you know...

Red Kangaroo with joey

Source: Getty Images

Wallaby

Source: Getty Images

• The name kangaroo comes from the Aboriginal word ganurru, pronounced “gang-a-roo” by Western explorers.

• The term “kangaroo” can be used to describe any marsupial (pouched animal) in the family Macropodidae (meaning “large foot”). This includes the Red and Grey Kangaroo, and wallabies.

• Male kangaroos are generally called bucks; females are does; babies are joeys.

• At its top speed of over 35 mph, the Red Kangaroo uses less energy than any animal its size.

• Kangaroos cannot walk backward.

• A group of kangaroos is called a mob.

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• Country In Focus: Papua New Guinea
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