Kangaroos: Why Do They Jump?

Excuse me, are those kangaroos over there?

Yes, they are! Do you want to see them closer?

Yes, please! I love kangaroos!

Great! Follow me, it's this way.

Wow! Look at that one jump!

Ha, they're amazing jumpers, right?

How far can they jump?

A big red kangaroo can jump about eight metres.

Eight metres? In one jump? No way!

But why do they jump? Why don't they walk?

Well, their back legs are very long and strong.

Jumping is fast, and it uses less energy.

They can go faster than fifty kilometres an hour!

Ha! That's faster than my bike!

And what about that big tail?

The tail is really strong. It helps them balance.

When they walk slowly, they use it like a fifth leg!

A fifth leg? That's so cool!

Oh, look! Something's moving in her pouch!

That's her baby. A baby kangaroo is called a joey.

Oh, cute! How big is a joey?

When it's born, it's as small as a jelly bean.

Really? That's tiny!

Do kangaroos only live in Australia?

Almost all wild kangaroos live in Australia.

Hmm, and what do they eat? Meat?

Ha, no! They only eat grass and plants.

One day, I'll go to Australia and see them!

Hey, would you like to help me feed them?

Really? Oh, I'd love to!

Okay, hold your hand flat, like this. Slowly.

Ha! It's eating from my hand!

This is the best day ever!