Kangaroos keep their babies, called joeys, in a special pouch on the mother's belly. After a very short gestation of about 28 to 34 days, the tiny, underdeveloped joey, about the size of a jellybean or 1 inch long, instinctively climbs into the mother's pouch. There, it continues to develop safely while suckling on a nipple. The pouch is warm, cozy, and has antibacterial properties to protect the joey. Joeys stay inside the pouch for about 6 to 8 months, during which they grow significantly. After this period, they start leaving the pouch for short periods but may return for feeding and protection until they are about 1 year old. The female kangaroo can even care for two joeys simultaneously — one inside the pouch and one outside—providing different types of milk to each via different nipples in the pouch. Only female kangaroos have pouches since they are the ones who rear the young. The pouch serves as a mobile nursery essential for their early growth and survival.
