Have you ever wished you could stay cozy in bed while going to school or visiting friends? Some baby animals get to do just that! Let’s learn about these amazing creatures called marsupials.
Marsupials are special mammals that include animals like kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies. Most of them live in Australia and New Guinea, but there are over 200 kinds of marsupials around the world. For example, the Virginia opossum lives in North America, and the yapok can be found in Central and South America. Some marsupials, like the yapok, can even swim!
One thing most marsupials have in common is a pouch. Only female marsupials have pouches because that’s where they carry their tiny babies, called joeys. These pouches are like special pockets where joeys can drink milk and grow until they are ready to explore the world.
Not all pouches are the same. For instance, a kangaroo’s pouch opens at the top, while a wombat’s pouch opens near the bottom. No matter the type, a strong muscle keeps the joey safe inside.
Many marsupials have an excellent sense of smell, which helps them find food at night. Most marsupials are nocturnal, meaning they are awake when it’s dark. Since it’s hard to see at night, they rely on their strong senses of smell and hearing.
The bilby is a fascinating marsupial with a great sense of smell. They love to eat termites and use their long noses to sniff them out in the dark. Bilbies also have long, skinny tongues to catch their prey. Their big ears help them stay cool and hear predators from far away. If they sense danger, bilbies quickly hide in their underground burrows.
From carrying their babies in cozy pouches to having super senses, marsupials are truly incredible animals. Thanks for learning about them with us! If you have any questions or want to learn more, ask an adult to help you leave a comment or email us at kidstheshow.com. See you next time!
Pouch Design Challenge: Imagine you are a marsupial and need to create a pouch for your joey. Use materials like paper, fabric, or even an old sock to design your own pouch. Think about how it will keep your joey safe and comfortable. Once you’ve made your pouch, share it with a friend or family member and explain how it works!
Nighttime Adventure: Marsupials are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. Pretend you are a marsupial going on a nighttime adventure in your home. Turn off the lights and use your sense of touch and hearing to navigate around. What do you notice when you can’t rely on your eyes? Share your experience with someone and discuss how marsupials might feel at night.
Super Senses Exploration: Marsupials have a great sense of smell. Try this fun activity: ask an adult to gather a few different items with distinct smells, like an orange, a flower, or a piece of chocolate. Close your eyes and see if you can identify each item just by smelling it. How many did you get right? Talk about why having a strong sense of smell is important for marsupials.
