MACROPODS

​Macropod literally translates to "Big Foot". The species include kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, pademelons and quokkas.  In the area in which we operate, we most often see Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Swamp Wallabies, Red-neck Wallabies and a few others. Weighing in at up to 66 kg, the Eastern Grey is the largest macropod in this area, and one of the largest in Australia (after the Red Kangaroo, which grows up to 85kg)

Adult Eastern Grey © S.Amesbury

Common Problems

Orphaned Joeys

By far, the main reason macropods come into care is being hit by automobiles. Other problems include:

• Habitat loss and degradation 
• Disease and parasites
• Bushfires
• Orphaned (car accident, shooting, culling)
• Predation by dogs
• entanglement on barbed wire fencing

• If you find a kangaroo that has recently died, check the pouch and nearby area in case a joey has survived. Joeys can survive for several days after the mother has died.
• If the joey is attached to the teat, do not remove it. Call Wildlife Rescue South Coast immediately.
• If the joey is not attached, gently remove it from the pouch and wrap in a towel or cloth. Keep joey warm with a warm (not hot) water bottle or a plastic bottle filled with warm water. Cover the bottle with a jumper or other fabric so that you do not overheat the joey. ​

Do not try to feed orphaned joeys. They need to be the correct body temperature before being rehydrated. They need special teats and special milk (Marsupials are lactose intolerant)

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What to do

If you find a sick or injured kangaroo or wallaby:

• Do not put yourself in danger.  If the animal is not in danger (e.g. on the road) call a wildlife carer
• Kangaroos are strong and can be dangerous so avoid touching or handling the animal if possible
• Stop traffic if needed and approach quietly from behind.
• Place a blanket over the kangaroo's head
• Try to keep the animal where it is warm, dark and quiet, keeping pets and people away
• Do not give the injured animal food or drink.
• Arrange to get the animal to a wildlife rescue group or vet as soon as possible

Juvenile Wallaroo in care © S.Amesbury

Joey in care © Gavin Swan

Swamp Wallaby caught in garden fencing. Source supplied

Want to know more?

Kangaroos are Australia's most recognised animal, known throughout the world. But because these animals tend to live in the same environment we do, they are slowly losing their habitat to urban development  and agriculture. 

​Here are some great websites for everything Macropod:

• Wikipedia macropod page
• Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Aust Museum) 
• Red-Necked Wallaby (Animal Facts)
• Swamp Wallaby (Wikipedia)
• Wallaroo Video from Animals TV

Red-Necked Wallabies (CC0)