Kangaroos
If you live anywhere in the world
other than the "bush", you probably think kangaroos are these
incredible, gorgeous, soft, cute, hopping animals. (And they are!) You probably want one as a
pet. If you would give your left arm for a kangaroo as a pet, it's probably not
a good idea to read on. Consider that a warning.
When I first moved ‘out here’ I was amazed every single time I saw a Kangaroo. "Oh look! It's hopping!" And "Awwww! It has a joey in its pouch!" And they are truly remarkable animals. There is something very interesting about them. And they are incredibly cute. I suppose even all these years later, I still am amazed that I live in a part of the world where I see so many amazing creatures on a daily basis.
But let me give you the facts as I know them about kangaroos:
1. Kangaroos are missiles on two legs, programmed to hit your car in the most expensive place to repair. This is a fact. You'd think after years and years of evolution they would have sussed out that the black strip of road connecting civilisations is a no-go zone. But no. Day after day these furry missiles continue to hurtle themselves obliviously towards moving vehicles. The first time you ever hit a kangaroo, you'll feel very bad about it and maybe even cry. But rest assured, the next time you hit one you'll be angry about it.
When I first moved ‘out here’ I was amazed every single time I saw a Kangaroo. "Oh look! It's hopping!" And "Awwww! It has a joey in its pouch!" And they are truly remarkable animals. There is something very interesting about them. And they are incredibly cute. I suppose even all these years later, I still am amazed that I live in a part of the world where I see so many amazing creatures on a daily basis.
But let me give you the facts as I know them about kangaroos:
1. Kangaroos are missiles on two legs, programmed to hit your car in the most expensive place to repair. This is a fact. You'd think after years and years of evolution they would have sussed out that the black strip of road connecting civilisations is a no-go zone. But no. Day after day these furry missiles continue to hurtle themselves obliviously towards moving vehicles. The first time you ever hit a kangaroo, you'll feel very bad about it and maybe even cry. But rest assured, the next time you hit one you'll be angry about it.
2. Kangaroos eat the feed intended for other livestock, and plants in your garden. In fact they eat pretty much everything they shouldn't be eating. And if anyone reading this has heard fantastic stories about "the near extinction of kangaroos", then they surely haven't taken a drive past our sorghum crops, or the burgeoning wheat crops of our neighbours. No problem with kangaroo numbers out here. And these kangaroos don't have a problem breeding either. It's not uncommon to see a kangaroo with a tiny joey suckling at the teat, and a bigger joey in the pouch, and an even bigger joey, independently hopping beside its mother.
3. The smell of a three day kangaroo carcass on the side of the road is something you won't forget in a hurry. Enough said.
4. Kangaroos make great working dog meat.
5. They really are beautiful and incredible creatures. Watching them drink at a waterhole, or bound effortlessly over fences, drains and tall grass is mind boggling. Seeing a joey chasing its mother and wobbling as it hops still makes me smile, and furthermore, it reminds me of what a wonderful part of Australia I really live in. And how lucky I am to live here.
If you haven't been to this part of the world yet, then pack your bags, and come and have a look. But remember to drive carefully. Our road hazards are often of the furry and moving variety.
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