What is a Baby Kangaroo Called?
The baby kangaroo is known as a "joey." This term is used specifically for the young of marsupials, a group of mammals that includes kangaroos, koalas, and possums. A joey is born at a very early stage of development, usually about the size of a lima bean and weighing less than a gram.
After birth, the joey crawls into its mother's pouch, where it will continue to develop and grow for several months. The pouch provides a safe environment and access to milk, which is vital for the joey's growth. As the joey grows, it will begin to peek out of the pouch, eventually spending more time outside but still returning to nurse.
The term "joey" is derived from the aboriginal word for a baby kangaroo. The time a joey spends in the pouch can vary depending on the species, but it is generally around six to ten months. After this period, the joey will start to learn how to graze on solid food while still nursing from its mother. Understanding the lifecycle of a kangaroo and the role of a joey is essential for appreciating these fascinating animals and their place in the ecosystem.