Hop into adventure with Harley and Andre, our two Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Outback ambassadors here at the Zoo! These two are almost always seen side by side—lounging in the sun, grazing on hay, or bounding over to their keepers for their favorite treat: peanuts!

With sleek silver-gray fur, gentle personalities, and incredible athleticism, Harley and Andre represent one of Australia's most iconic animals—and they’ve got some wild adaptations to prove it.

Built to Bounce

Eastern Grey Kangaroos are the second-largest species of kangaroo, only surpassed in size by the Red Kangaroo. But don’t let their chilled-out vibe fool you—they’re designed for action.

• Top Speed: Up to 35 mph in short bursts
• Jump Distance: A single leap can reach 30 feet—about the length of a school bus
• Tail Power: That thick, muscular tail? It acts as a third leg, helping support their weight while walking, sitting, or grazing
• No Reverse: Kangaroos can’t walk backward and don’t run—they bounce, bound, and balance like no other animal

Survival Experts

Australia is famous for its challenging climate, but kangaroos thrive thanks to their incredible adaptations:

• Thick fur insulates against both hot days and chilly nights
• They lick their forearms to cool down through evaporation
• They conserve water by producing concentrated urine
• Their digestive systems allow them to extract maximum nutrients from dry, fibrous grasses
• Long eyelashes protect their eyes from dust and debris on windy plains

Harley and Andre are living proof that evolution knows what it's doing.

Marsupial Magic

Kangaroos belong to a special group of mammals called marsupials, meaning females raise their young in a pouch after birth.

A newborn joey is smaller than a jellybean—hairless, blind, and totally dependent

After crawling into the pouch, the joey nurses and grows for about 11 months

Even after leaving the pouch, joeys may return for extra feedings or comfort

Marsupials evolved in isolation on the Australian continent, and today, over 70% of the world’s marsupial species live there—including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, koalas, and more.

Kangaroo Country

Eastern Grey Kangaroos are found across eastern Australia, from the island of Tasmania to the Cape York Peninsula. They thrive in:

• Open woodlands
• Grasslands
• Forested areas with at least 10 inches of annual rainfall

Although classified as Least Concern, they are protected under Australian law. In some areas, controlled harvesting for commercial export is allowed under strict regulations.

And yes, kangaroos are so iconic that they appear on the Australian Coat of Arms, alongside the emu. Why? Neither animal can walk backward, making them a national symbol of progress and forward momentum.

What’s for Lunch?

Kangaroos are herbivores, which means that they consume plants. In the wild, Eastern Greys forage for grasses, leaves, bark, and shrubs.

At the zoo, Harley and Andre enjoy:

• Mazuri kangaroo food
• Fresh apples and carrots
• Hay
• And of course—peanuts as a special enrichment treat!

Kangaroo Fast Facts

• Native to eastern Australia and Tasmania
• Their genus, Macropus, means “big foot” in Greek
• Most active at dawn and dusk (they’re crepuscular)
• A group is called a mob, troop, or court
• Can’t walk backwards or run like other animals
• Marsupials—specialized mammals that raise young in a pouch
• Use evaporative cooling by licking their forearms

Eastern Grey Kangaroos like Harley and Andre help us understand the incredible diversity of life adapted to Australia’s rugged landscapes. Whether you're learning about marsupials, amazed by their movement, or just enjoying their goofy personalities, these two are a must-see on your zoo visit.