Tama Zoo currently exhibits around 30 Red Kangaroo, separated into males and females. Previously, all of them were kept in the same enclosure, but this change was implemented in March 2025. This article will explain the reasons behind this change and describe the relocation process.

Previous plans for moving with Red Kangaroo

When all the animals were kept in the same space, injuries and illnesses due to fights and collisions were frequent. This was partly due to the fact that, although the breeding environment had improved thanks to the efforts of successive caretakers and breeding was progressing smoothly, the group had become overcrowded. Therefore, in order to control the number of individuals in the group, we decided to move the females to another location and separate the living spaces for males and females.

Red Kangaroo possess exceptional jumping abilities, capable of leaping up to approximately 8 meters in distance and 3 meters in height. Therefore, their new home requires a high fence to prevent escapes, a sheltered sleeping area, and ample space. We also considered the burden of relocation in case they breed again, and the ease of daily care, so we sought a location as close as possible to their original enclosure. After considering several options, we decided on a location that was previously used to house reindeer and is no longer in use.

However, just because a new location was decided didn't mean the animals could move immediately. The exhibit hadn't been used for many years, so we gradually prepared the living environment by mowing the grass, pruning the trees, and checking and maintaining areas where there was a risk of escape.

Before maintenance	After maintenance

move

While preparing the relocation site, we also carefully considered methods for moving Red Kangaroo.

In addition to their delicate temperament, Red Kangaroo are known for a dental disease called "kangaroo disease" (a disease affecting the teeth, periodontal tissues, jawbone, and oral mucosa), in which infections from wounds can spread throughout the body. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Therefore, a major challenge was how to transport them unharmed and how to help them adapt to their new environment after the move.

Therefore, when moving them, we used special transport crates, carefully herding each animal into them one by one to avoid injury. We also moved two calmer animals first, allowing them to acclimate to their new environment for about three days before moving the remaining 12. This way, the entire herd could gradually adjust without panicking.

Thanks to careful planning and preparation, all 14 female kangaroos were able to move safely and without injury. Since separating the male and female enclosures, there have been no serious injuries from fights or collisions so far. Red Kangaroo seem to have adjusted to their new environment, and we often see them sleeping comfortably. Recently, we've even seen a few of them peeking out of their mothers' pouches.

The male and female exhibits are located very close to each other, so please take the time to compare their sizes and body types.


Current female group
[Tama Zoo]
Former Tama Zoo South Garden Animal Care and Exhibition Section 2 / Current Ueno Zoo East Garden Animal Care and Exhibition Section, Shirao

◎Related articles
・ The story of a male kangaroo (September 23, 2011)
・ Treatment of kangaroo disease in "Maruo," Red Kangaroo (September 4, 2020)
・ A name tag for Red Kangaroo? (March 22, 2024)
・ Red Kangaroo 's heat countermeasures (August 9, 2024)

(June 27, 2025)