North Florida Wildlife Center has welcomed two young female red kangaroos, Tillie and Bonnie, to its Australian animal area.
The joeys came from a private wildlife sanctuary and are 8 and 11 months old. Tillie, the younger kangaroo, has regular “pouch time” in a fabric pouch designed to mimic the comfort of a mother’s pouch until she matures beyond the habit.
The newcomers are getting acclimated to their habitat and are expected to eventually share space with the center’s older red kangaroos, Ozzie and Evie. The center continues to offer animal encounters with Ozzie and Evie while its Australia immersive experience is being developed.
Although they are called red kangaroos, females often have blue-gray fur and may be known as “blue fliers.” The species can reach about 100 to 160 pounds, according to the center. In captivity, red kangaroos can live into their mid-teens.
Ryan Reines, the wildlife center’s founder and executive director, noted that the animals’ head, muzzle and ear shapes can resemble a donkey’s. Their square lips help create more surface area while grazing. Their diet at the center includes vegetables, special hay and bamboo.
Red kangaroos use their powerful tails to help propel their hops. With enough running room, they can jump nearly eight feet high and about 20 feet horizontally.
