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A baby kangaroo is tiny at birth
A baby kangaroo, known as a joey, begins life in one of the most remarkable ways in the animal kingdom. At birth, a joey is incredibly tiny—only about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) long, weighing less than a gram, and completely hairless, blind, and fragile.
Despite its underdeveloped state, the newborn joey performs an extraordinary feat: it instinctively crawls unassisted from the birth canal, using its tiny forelimbs to climb through its mother’s fur until it reaches the safety of her pouch. Once inside, it latches onto a teat, which provides not just nourishment but also a secure place to grow and develop.
The pouch acts as both a nursery and a life-support system, where the joey will stay for about six months before venturing out to explore the world. Even after leaving the pouch, young kangaroos often return for safety and feeding, making the pouch a vital part of their early survival. Watch this to learn more.
Source: Nat Geo Animals / Youtube.
