Although it is the largest mammal in Australia the great gray kangaroo cub is no larger than a gummy bear at birth. It measures just 2.5 cm and weighs less than 1 gram! Although completely underdeveloped it finds its way from the birth opening into the mother's pouch and clings to a teat with its mouth which it won't let go of for the next two to three months. Immediately after the birth of a young animal the female mates again. However, this embryo only develops and is born when the older cub has finally left the pouch. The evolutionary advantage is likely to be found in the sometimes inhospitable habitats of these animals: if the cub dies or the mother has to leave a successor is immediately available.
Category: Mammal
Weight: ♂ 55kg; ♀ 25kg
Sexually mature: 20 month
gestation period: 36 days
food: grasses and leaves
Way of life: open forests and grasslands, but also forested mountain regions
Danger: not endangered
Breeding program: EEP (European Conservation Breeding Program) in which the Görlitz Nature Conservation Zoo participates
distribution: Eastern and Southern Australia, including Tasmania
distribution area
