Chicago Zoological Society

News Release

June 17, 2011

Contact: Sondra Katzen
Public Relations
708.688.8351
sondra.katzen@czs.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Note: Images of Brookfield Zoo’s kangaroo joeys may be downloaded at www.CZS.org/PressRoom

Kangaroo Joeys Hopping About at Brookfield Zoo

      Brookfield, Ill.—Two western grey kangaroo joeys can now be seen with their mothers hopping around their outdoor habitat at Brookfield Zoo’s Australia House.

At birth, the two unnamed joeys, born September 18, 2010, and October 9, 2010, were about the size of a jelly bean. Although the gestation period is 30 days, a joey is very underdeveloped at birth, and when born, it needs to crawl up to its mother’s pouch without assistance. It then attaches itself to a teat where it remains to grow and develop for about nine months.

During the joey’s early stage of development, the mother produces low-fat milk. As it gets older and ventures out of the pouch the milk becomes high in fat for the ever-growing and energetic young joey. What is truly amazing is that a mom can produce two separate types of milk at the same time. One teat produces low-fat milk for a newly born joey and a separate one produces high-fat milk for the juvenile joey out of the pouch. Once the joey is out of the pouch it continues to nurse for an additional nine months.

Hopping grey kangaroos are a marvel of athleticism. Native to Australia, kangaroos can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour. They rise up onto the toes and balls of both feet and launch themselves forward. When they land, their legs bend so they can propel forward again, like a spring uncoiling its energy. All the while they're hopping along, their tail sticks out behind and balances their body.

At low speeds, kangaroos crawl on all fours instead of hopping. When they’re grazing on grass they move slowly, balancing on their front legs and tail while swinging their back legs forward.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.

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