The eastern grey kangaroo plays an important role in the environment. As an herbivore who mainly eats different grasses, kangaroos are crucial in keeping grassy ecosystems functioning properly.
I LIVE IN AUSTRALIA
As the name suggests, the eastern grey kangaroo is native to eastern Australia, as well as the island of Tasmania. While they can be found in the grassland and open woodlands, they prefer the heavy scrub and forest of the damp coast and mountains.
I AM A HERBIVORE
The eastern grey kangaroo’s herbivorous diet consists of grasses, herbs, and shrubs. Although they favor grasses, they will sometimes consume other plants like fungi.
EASTERN GREY KANGAROOS ARE SOCIAL
Eastern grey kangaroos are social animals and will live in large groups of up to several hundred individuals. Groups are often made up of one male kangaroo and multiple female kangaroos and their offspring.
TINY BUT MIGHTY
When baby kangaroos, or joeys, are born, they are only the size of a jellybean! Weighing in at less than an ounce at birth, joeys make the long trek up their mother’s bellies and settle into the pouch where they stay for the next six months. At 11 months, the joey is living fully out of the pouch.
HELPING THE EASTERN GREY KANGAROO
The eastern grey kangaroos at the Fort Wayne Zoo are enrolled in the Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSP is a program implemented by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help ensure a genetically viable population exists.