Eastern & Western Grey Kangaroo

Eastern: Macropus giganteus
Western: Macropus fuliginosus

Animal Class: Mammals

Height: 3 – 8ft (0.9 – 2.4m)

Weight: 40 – 200 lbs (18 – 95kg)

Diet: Wild: They primarily eat shrubs, leaves, grass and herbs. Zoo: They eat grass, leaves, fruit and supplements.

Habitat: The western grey kangaroo is not found in the north or the far southeast of Australia, and the eastern grey does not extend beyond the New South Wales–South Australia border, but the two species are both common in the Murray–Darling basin area. Eastern grey kangaroos are distributed throughout most of the eastern third of the Australian continent, especially along the coast in damp forest and scrub.

Description: Sometimes known as the “Forester” the eastern grey kangaroo males are larger than females (rarely exceed 45kg). Eastern grey kangaroos live in small groups but may congregate in large numbers when feeding. They’re usually active from late afternoon until early morning, resting in the shade of trees and shrubs during the day. Strong, muscular legs propel the animal across the grasslands at speeds of 40 mph (60kmh). They are able to cleared lengths of 25 feet (8 meters) and heights of 9 feet (3 meters). Western grey kangaroos are smaller than eastern grey kangaroos. Their fur is darker and they have a darker face.

Our Animals: Otto (eastern) and Will (western)