World Kangaroo Day will be celebrated on 24 October, with the theme ‘Sacred Totem, National Icon’ asking people to recognise the kangaroo as a national symbol and vital part of our culture and ecosystem.
‘Family lineup’, image by Cheryl Ponter showing a family of Mareeba Rock Wallabies. © Cheryl Ponter.
World Kangaroo Day on the 24th of October was created in 2020 by not-for-profit organisation, Kangaroos Alive, and is a global movement campaigning for the ethical treatment of kangaroos. Kangaroos Alive runs education campaigns, supports scientific research, and advocates globally to end the commercial kangaroo trade. It works in partnership with First Nations organisations to amplify Indigenous voices and cultural knowledge in kangaroo conservation. The day celebrates kangaroos as iconic and culturally significant native animals, and draws attention to the threats they face from habitat loss, commercial slaughter, and misinformation. As part of the nationwide celebrations, World Kangaroo Day will feature a series of Walks and Talks. These immersive, family-friendly events invite communities to connect with Country, learn about kangaroo behaviour and habitats, and hear stories from Aboriginal Elders about the kangaroo’s role as a sacred totem.
The popular World Kangaroo Day Photo Competition, has just closed and winners of this year’s competition will be announced on 24 October. The competition was open to amateur and professional photographers with the objective of showcasing the beauty, strength and spirit of kangaroos.
For more information visit www.worldkangarooday.org.
