Some fresh little faces are popping out of pouches this spring at Healesville Sanctuary, courtesy of new dad kangaroo Oscar.
New breeding male and first time father kangaroo Oscar was introduced to the all-female mob of Kangaroo Island Kangaroos three years ago so he could grow up around the group, and now he’s proudly taking on the role of dad.
Healesville Sanctuary Mammal Keeper Katherine Sarris said Oscar has shown his paternal instincts from the start.
“He’s really protective and often goes over to check on the joeys,” Ms Sarris said.
“We’re starting to see the little ones clumsily explore the world as they hop in and out of mum’s pouch. The older joeys are ten months old now, so they’re beginning to do zoomies and even what I call ‘bog laps’ — racing around the habitat, bouncing and springing on their powerful back legs as they learn to coordinate their feet and tails.”
The joeys have already been giving visitors plenty of surprises, poking feet and tails out of pouches during close encounters. As the season progresses, more little faces could appear.
“Joeys stay in the pouch for so long because they can’t regulate their own body temperatures. But as their fur thickens, they’re able to enjoy the great outdoors,” Ms Sarris said.
Some kangaroo species can pause their pregnancies. It’s called embryonic diapause and its a survival strategy that allows mammals to give birth during optimal environmental conditions. Kangaroo Island Kangaroo are unable to do this, however, the Red Kangaroos at the Sanctuary can.
Kangaroo Island Kangaroos may not win any originality awards for their name, but they’re pretty special all the same. Found only on Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia, they’ve evolved to be pretty laid-back – thanks to the absence of large predators on the island.
Three species of kangaroos can be found at Healesville Sanctuary, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, Red Kangaroos and Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroos. Visitors can learn more about the ‘roos at a daily keeper talk at 11.15am on the Kangaroo Country track.
