Kangaroos abroad and while traveling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?
Kangaroos and wallabies
- Why “kangaroo"?
- What are kangaroos and wallabies?
- Are kangaroos dangerous?
- Where to see kangaroos in the wild abroad?
- What to do when you encounter a kangaroo in the wild?
- What to do when a kangaroo attacks you?
- What to do in case of a bite or scratch from a kangaroo?
- What are the most dangerous kangaroo species and why?
- What diseases can you get from a kangaroo?
- Can you volunteer or intern with kangaroos?
- What should you do if you are going to work with kangaroos during your volunteer work, internship or study?
- Where is the best place to work with kangaroos?
Why “kangaroo"?
- There is a funny, but untrue, myth surrounding the word kangaroo. You may have heard the embarrassing story about James Cook and the naming of the animal. According to a story from 1888, which is still widely told, James Cook asked a local man in northern Queensland what kind of animal he saw. The man replied "kangaroo", which according to the story means something like "who knows/I don’t know". James Cook supposedly copied the word without further ado. Well, it turns out that none of this is true. In the local language of the Guugu Yimithirr people, gangurru was the word for a large grey species of kangaroo. So it is more likely that the name comes from this native language.
What are kangaroos and wallabies?
- The 54 species of kangaroos are marsupials that stand out because of their large feet and the use of their tails as a kind of support when they are standing still.
- The best-known kangaroos are probably the giant kangaroo and the wallaby. The wallaby is actually a group of 30 species of somewhat smaller kangaroos.
- Tree kangaroos, quokkas and pademelons are less well-known animals, but when you come across them you immediately recognize them as family of 'the kangaroo'.
- The quokka in particular is a special, happy and cuddly animal.
Are kangaroos dangerous?
- Kangaroos are not dangerous unless you provoke or threaten them.
- Injured or sick kangaroos can feel threatened when you think you are helping them, this miscommunication can cost you a nasty blow, scratch or bite.
- The larger kangaroos in particular regularly cause collisions when they cross the road (or actually the motorist who drives through their habitat). These collisions are often fatal for the kangaroo but can also be dangerous for the occupants of a vehicle.
Where to see kangaroos in the wild abroad?
- Although kangaroos are found in Australia and New Guinea, Australia is the hotspot for spotting kangaroos in the wild.
- These animals are easiest to spot in open areas: grasslands, savannah and steppe landscapes and even in parts of the desert or on beaches you can encounter kangaroos. The species that live in the forests require a bit more effort, but with tips from locals you can add to your species score list.
- Near Perth: Yanchep National Park
- Near Canberra: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
- In South Australia: Kangaroo Island
- In Tasmania: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
- In the state of New South Wales: Mungo National Park and the Southern Highlands
What to do when you encounter a kangaroo in the wild?
- Try to keep your distance. Stay at least 20-30 meters away and enjoy the huge animals from afar!
- Pay attention to their posture. If a kangaroo stands tall, leans back, or raises its front paws, it may feel threatened.
- Do not feed them. This can make them dependent on humans and more aggressive.
- Be mindful of your behavior. Avoid sudden movements, loud noises, or direct eye contact, which can be seen as a challenge.
What to do when a kangaroo attacks you?
- Do not panic or run! Running may trigger their instincts to chase you.
- Use a deep and calm voice. Don’t shout.
- Stay sideways and back away slowly, because this makes you look less threatening.
- If you’re already under attack, curl into a ball and protect your head and vital organs from the powerful leg kicks.
What to do in case of a bite or scratch from a kangaroo?
- In case of a bite or scratch - Wash the wound with soap and water.
- Apply antiseptic and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Monitor for infections.
What are the most dangerous kangaroo species and why?
- Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) – The largest species, up to 2 meters tall, with strong kicks and punches.
- Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) – Generally docile but can become aggressive if cornered.
- Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) – Smaller but still capable of causing injury if provoked.
What diseases can you get from a kangaroo?
- Toxoplasmosis – A parasitic infection transmitted through kangaroo feces.
- Salmonella – Can be contracted through handling the animals/feces or contaminated meat.
- Leptospirosis – Spread through urine in wet environments.
- Q fever – Rare, but possible through inhaling contaminated dust from droppings.
Can you volunteer or intern with kangaroos?
- In Australia you can also volunteer with kangaroos, there are also internships available in shelters.
What should you do if you are going to work with kangaroos during your volunteer work, internship or study?
- Most sanctuaries will avoid human contact to keep the animals wild. Therefore it is unlikely that you will be in direct contact with the animals unless they are babies or you are specifically trained for it.
- Follow the instructions and safety training protocols.
- Avoid unnecessary handling.
Where is the best place to work with kangaroos?
- Australian Wildlife sanctuaries (e.g., Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary), Rescue and rehabilitation centers (e.g., WIRES Wildlife Rescue, Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital) and National parks with conservation programs.
