Brookfield Zoo, located in Brookfield, Illinois, is home to a diverse array of animal species, including the captivating Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo. As a zoo enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to learn more about these remarkable creatures and their presence at this renowned zoological park.
Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo at Brookfield Zoo
Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo is a unique species of kangaroo that is native to the mountainous regions of northeastern Papua New Guinea. These arboreal marsupials are known for their exceptional climbing abilities, using their strong, grasping limbs to navigate the dense forest canopy with ease.
At Brookfield Zoo, visitors have the opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures up close. While the zoo does not provide any recent updates specifically about their Matschie’s Tree Kangaroos, the presence of this species at the zoo is a testament to the institution’s commitment to conservation and education.
Western Gray Kangaroo at Brookfield Zoo
In addition to the Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo, Brookfield Zoo is also home to another kangaroo species, the Western Gray Kangaroo. These large, powerful marsupials are native to southern Australia and are known for their impressive hopping abilities.
Physical Characteristics of Western Gray Kangaroos
Western Gray Kangaroos are light gray-brown to chocolate in color, with a bipedal stance and powerful hind legs and tail. They have four toes on their hind feet, with the two inside toes being jointed and forming a grooming tool. The extra-long middle toe has a sharp nail that can be used as a weapon.
These kangaroos have large, mobile ears that can turn in all directions, and females have pouches. Their muzzle is covered in fine hair, with bare black skin around the nostrils.
Size and Habitat of Western Gray Kangaroos
Male Western Gray Kangaroos typically weigh around 121 pounds, while females weigh approximately 66 pounds. These kangaroos are found throughout southern Australia, western and central New South Wales.
Behavior of Western Gray Kangaroos
Western Gray Kangaroos move by hopping, with a typical hop length of 4-6 feet. However, they are capable of jumping to heights of 10 feet and lengths of 26 feet, and can reach speeds of up to 30 mph to escape predators such as dingoes, eagles, foxes, and humans.
Recent Arrivals at Brookfield Zoo
In March 2021, two Western Gray Kangaroos, named Rooby and Troody, arrived at Brookfield Zoo. Troody, the female kangaroo, gave birth to a joey (baby kangaroo) in early 2022, adding to the zoo’s growing population of these remarkable animals.
Visiting Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo is located in Brookfield, Illinois, and is open to visitors year-round. The zoo’s hours vary by season, with the zoo being open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM from April 1 to September 30, and from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM from October 1 to March 31.
Admission prices to Brookfield Zoo also vary depending on the season and residency. General admission ranges from $19.85 to $24.85 for adults, and $13.85 to $18.85 for children and seniors.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Brookfield Zoo offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the fascinating Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo and Western Gray Kangaroo species. Plan your visit to this renowned zoological park and immerse yourself in the world of these remarkable marsupials.
References
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Western Gray Kangaroo – Rooby – Brookfield Zoo. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/AdoptRoobyKangaroo
- ZooChat. (2022). Brookfield Zoo News 2022 [Brookfield Zoo] – Page 12 – ZooChat. Retrieved from https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/brookfield-zoo-news-2022.483046/page-12
- Zoos and Aquariums Wiki. (n.d.). Brookfield Zoo | Zoos and Aquariums Wiki – Fandom. Retrieved from https://zoos.fandom.com/wiki/Brookfield_Zoo
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Western Gray Kangaroo – Brookfield Zoo. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/westerngraykangaroo
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Western Gray Kangaroo – Troody – Brookfield Zoo. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/AdoptTroodyKangaroo
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Plan Your Visit – Brookfield Zoo. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Plan-Your-Visit