Kangaroo Joeys in Pouch Part 8
Two Western Grey kangaroo joeys learn what they must eat before leaving the pouch. A clip from 'Joeys - Wattle & Tingle's Tale'
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The sense of hearing develops quite early in a joey's pouch life
and plays an important part in their education.
Every day, from the safety of the pouch, our joeys have learnt to identify many sounds
and they already know those that are comforting, and some which are not.
If danger threatens, the joey hears its mother's heartbeat increase
and feels the pouch muscles tighten, holding it in place as she flees.
If the danger is real, it may even smell the musky scent kangaroos secrete
when they are stressed or frightened.
Sight and other senses are heightened now part of them is exposed to the outside world.
From its unique viewing position, the joey gradually learns
to distinguish what will be its home range.
It begins to recognise landmarks, gets to know the mob's feeding grounds and watering holes
and by sharing the favourite gum trees and bushes used for shelter,
learns where it will need to go in both hot and rainy weather.
And we began to foresee a future where they would always have their mothers
to teach them how to be kangaroos, a mate to bound through the bush with
and share their many adventures.
However, before that time came, they still had one more important lesson to learn.