World Kangaroo Day takes place every year on October 24. It was created in 2020 by Kangaroos Alive and the Animal Justice Party after the 2019-2020 bushfires, which harmed billions of native animals, including many kangaroos. The day asks us to protect kangaroos and treat them with care, as they face threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and expanding cities. In 2021, Yuin Elder Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison supported the day with the Yuin Declaration for Kangaroos, which honors kangaroos as sacred and encourages us to live in harmony with the land and each other.
Worldwide Kangaroo Day shines a light on the special story of kangaroos. They evolved from small, possum-like animals about 20-30 million years ago and learned to hop to cross dry landscapes. Kangaroos can leap up to 9 meters and run as fast as 60 km/h in short bursts. There are over 50 species, from the big red kangaroo to the tiny musky-rat kangaroo. Kangaroos are more than just symbols of Australia—they help the environment by grazing and spreading seeds. Even though there are more than 50 million kangaroos in Australia (estimated), as many as 1.5 million are killed each year for meat and hides, often in ways that are not humane. This is why change is so important.
This year, the theme for October 24 is “Magic with Kangaroos.” Everyone is invited to join in by hosting workshops, going on nature walks, or starting social media campaigns using #WorldKangarooDay to share facts, photos, and videos. You can also enter the Roo Doco Competition by making a short documentary for a chance to win prizes, or support the Yuin Declaration to help protect kangaroos. Whether you watch kangaroos in the wild or celebrate at home, the aim is to appreciate these social and curious animals. Kangaroos play together, groom each other, and joeys peek out from their mothers’ pouches, showing how special they are.
What inspires your connection to kangaroos this season? Share your thoughts and help build a world where these amazing animals can thrive. Visit worldkangarooday.org for resources and events.
📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
📍Kangaroo Island, South Australia
🦘Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Joey (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus)
Love my work? Support my journey by buying me a coffee or sharing it on your preferred social network. And don’t forget to swing by my online shop to check out my latest prints and gifts. Thank you 🙏 !
Follow me on Instagram | Facebook | Threads | LinkedIn | Tumblr | X | Buy Me A Coffee
