Image of a baby kangaroo joey hanging from the pouch of its mother© iStock.com/burroblandoThis adorable young wallaroo learning to hop is an undeniable internet sensation. Posted by thekangaroosanctuary in the Northern Territory, Australia, this heartwarming moment marks a significant milestone for one of their rescued joeys. The sanctuary is renowned for its efforts in rehabilitating and releasing kangaroos across all age groups. Within their Baby Kangaroo Rescue Centre, specialized care is provided for orphaned joeys like Pippa until they are ready to be reintroduced into the wild.
The Common WallarooAlso known as Euros, Common wallaroos (Macropus robustus) are herbivorous marsupials belonging to the macropod family, which includes kangaroos and wallabies. Found across Australia, except Tasmania, Euros typically inhabit rocky hills, mountainous regions, as well as plains and grasslands. These animals are characterized by long, shaggy fur and hairless black muzzles. While males are usually dark grey to dark reddish-brown, females have a lighter coloration.
Compared to their kangaroo relatives, Euros are smaller in size. Male kangaroos can grow over six feet tall and weigh around 200 pounds, while male Euros reach a maximum of 3.5 feet and about 100 pounds. With a total length of nearly five feet from head to tail, Euros exhibit a stocky build with well-defined musculature. Male Euros are roughly twice the size of females. Therefore, little Pippa, featured in the video above, is not expected to exceed 2.5 feet in height as an adult, measuring between 2.5-3 feet in length and weighing around 29-55 pounds.
Reproduction in EurosEuros have the ability to breed throughout the year under suitable conditions. Following a gestation period of 30-40 days, a female Euro gives birth to a single joey. At birth, the joey is less than an inch long and weighs approximately 0.025 ounces. Similar to most marsupials, female Euros possess a pouch where the tiny joey climbs in and attaches to a teat for nourishment and development. Remaining predominantly in the pouch for about eight months, the joey continues to nurse until weaning typically begins at 15 months of age.
Females often mate soon after giving birth, and they can carry a dormant embryo in the uterus for up to seven months, until the current joey leaves the pouch. This reproductive strategy allows the female Euro to have a “joey at foot” (a joey outside the pouch but still nursing), a pouch-bound joey, and a dormant embryo as a backup at any given time. This continuous cycle is believed to be an adaptation to survive periods of drought by conserving embryos for more favorable climatic conditions.
Caring for Orphaned Joe
Caregivers recommend using fleece made from natural fibers for the pouch, as it is easily washable and essential for joeys who pee and poop inside. Joeys typically remain in the pouch until they are six months old. In the video, Pippa can be seen learning to stand and hop, indicating she is around six months old. Even after joeys start exploring outside the pouch, they continue to return to it to eat and sleep. Caregivers emphasize the importance of maintaining this behavior by keeping the pouch accessible. Additionally, jumping in and out of the pouch helps joeys like Pippa strengthen their leg muscles before venturing out into the outback. The story of this tiny wallaroo, Pippa, is sure to capture the hearts of many animal lovers.
