The kangaroo enclosure at the “ Tierwelt Herberstein ” has been home exclusively to male kangaroos in recent years. Last year, the go-ahead was given for breeding, and two lovely female kangaroos moved from the Linz Zoo to Eastern Styria. It was clearly “love at first sight” among the kangaroos, because during a routine examination in December, veterinarian Reinhard Pichler detected a walnut-sized embryo on an ultrasound.
“In the last few days, we’ve already been able to see movements in the mother’s pouch with the naked eye. Yesterday, a small, hairless head with big eyes peeked out for the first time!” says the zoo veterinarian happily. After all, breeding wild animals in captivity isn’t always that easy. On top of that, the kangaroo mom has no experience raising young yet, since this is her first baby. The father, however, is unknown—all four male kangaroos are potential candidates! The second female kangaroo is also showing clear contractions in her pouch.
The gestation period for kangaroos is 30 days; after that, the 2-gram embryo climbs through the birth canal into the pouch and remains attached to the teat for another 30 days. After about 6 months, the joey is developed enough to peek out of or climb out of the pouch. However, it returns to the pouch to feed, sleep, or when danger is present. The joey is nursed for one year.
Mother and joey are doing well and enjoying the attention of their fellow kangaroos and the caretakers. In Herberstein, everyone is now eagerly awaiting the second little kangaroo!