About kangaroos

Kangaroos are an iconic species valued and recognised worldwide. Their image adorns stamps, currency, the jets of Australia’s largest airline and denotes Australian made products. Their name, in various forms (‘roos, boomers, flyers), has been adopted by numerous national and domestic sporting teams. Kangaroos are of cultural, social, ecological and spiritual significance.  

Learn more about kangaroos

Kangaroo ecology

Wildlife populations naturally respond to fluctuating environmental conditions and they depend on the “carrying capacity” of their habitat.

Kangaroos as ecosystem engineers

Kangaroos are ecosystem engineers, meaning that that contribute to the health of landscapes.

Kangaroo families

Kangaroos have evolved to become Australia’s top herbivore and largest marsupial, uniquely adapted to Australian ecosystems. Marsupials are pouched mammals

Kangaroo meat hygiene

Kangaroos are killed in the wild for their meat that is sold for both human and pet food consumption. Bush meats like kangaroo pose potential health risks.

Wildlife carers

Across Australia there are licensed wildlife carers who dedicate significant time, effort and resources into rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned kangaroos, many of whom are the victims of shooters.

Kangaroos and Indigenous Australians

Kangaroos are of significance to many Australians especially Indigenous Australians who hold deep kinship ties and traditional knowledge about them.