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Zoo News - Volume 38, March 2018

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ZOO NEWS M EM B ER MAGA ZIN E 02 BEHIND THE SCENES ROO COUNTRY The kangaroos have settled in really well with both species of kangaroo interacting with the new exhibit differently. Our Red Kangaroos and Kangaroo Island Kangaroos at Healesville Sanctuary are enjoying their new homes in Kangaroo Country. In the new exhibit, the two species have their own spaces which have been specifically designed to replicate the conditions they favour in the wild. Keeper Katherine has been working with the kangaroos at the Sanctuary for many years and she's been looking forward to the opening. "The kangaroos have settled in really well with both species of kangaroo interacting with the new exhibit differently. The Red Kangaroos have enjoyed lying around on the red sand areas where they like to dig a 'hip hole'. They do this by digging up some sand so they can get to the cooler sand below." "And the Kangaroo Island Kangaroos have really enjoyed the lush green grass in their exhibit, especially over the warmer months as it has provided them with a cooler 'micro- climate'." Both kangaroo species at the Sanctuary, although similar in many ways, are quite unique and used to different conditions. Red Kangaroos are found in warm and arid habitats throughout central Australia while Kangaroo Island Kangaroos originate from the cool and windy Kangaroo Island in South Australia. "The new exhibit has plenty of heat mats and shelter for our Red Kangaroos over the cooler months however our Kangaroo Island Kangaroos don't really care for heat mats and prefer their thick, furry coat as protection from the elements!" Katherine says. "Both species also require different training techniques so having the ability to separate the species in the new exhibit is really important. Red Kangaroos need continuous positive training to help build and maintain their confidence while the Kangaroo Island Kangaroos are very friendly and very food- oriented so their training is much easier and less intensive." Kangaroos are icons of the Australian bush. These amazing marsupials, from the macropod family, have made many adaptions from millions of years living in the Australian bush. Healesville Sanctuary is home to Kangaroo Island Kangaroos and Red Kangaroos. KANGAROO FACTS TROOLY ROOLY There's a lot to learn about these amazing hopping marsupials of the bush!

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