There are thirty-nine known varieties of the interesting wallabies, which are part of the kangaroo family. Some of the pale-colored wallabies look like large rats and some look like rabbits, but most look like small kangaroos. However, the fur of most wallabies is more brightly colored than kangaroos’ fur. The tails of wallabies are more slender and bushy or tufted at the tip, whereas kangaroos’ tails are quite plain.
These animals are known as marsupials, meaning that the mothers carry their young in a pouch, which is shaped like a pocket. The Creator has adapted them to the rocky areas of Australia, New Guinea and neighboring islands. (Australia is sometimes called the “Land Down Under” because it lies entirely south of the equator.) Most wallabies are speedy and if startled hop swiftly away on their strong hind legs.
Wallabies live on grasses but also eat foliage and bark from trees and roots of various kinds. They usually feed in the cool of the evening, at night or in early morning, leaving the shelters where they rest throughout the day. In their hot, dry homelands, the Creator has provided them with bodies that can survive on the moisture from their food, although they will drink water when it is available. One kind, the tammer, even drinks saltwater when freshwater is not available.
Once a year, mothers give birth to usually just one tiny, blind baby (like a baby kangaroo, which is called a “joey”), and it remains several months in her pouch until it can eat solid food. Even then it stays close to her and is quick to jump back into her pouch if danger is near. Babies are not born in their mother’s pouch. Although tiny and blind, their sensitive noses tell them their mother’s rich, nourishing milk is in the pouch, and they make their own way into the pouch where they grow fast.
Usually brown-beige in color, or occasionally red, gray or blackish, wallabies are much like miniature kangaroos, having short front legs and long, strong hind legs and feet. Their long, thick, powerful tails are used for balance and support when sitting. Full of curiosity, they usually stop grazing to watch a person going by.
Wallabies are content with the heat and dryness of their homelands, and if they knew about their Creator and could speak, they would surely thank Him for His care over them. But you boys and girls do have that ability, and God, who is also your Creator, is pleased when you thank Him. One Bible verse tells us to “[give] thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:2020Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:20)). Be sure to do this every day!
(to be continued)
ML-12/22/2002