The first thing you’ll think of when you meet Jirra the red kangaroo is that either you didn’t hear the name right, or we are color blind. Jirra isn’t colored red; she doesn’t even wear a red halter. She is colored gray and wears a blue halter.

So why include a color in the title if it doesn’t apply? Well, male red kangaroos are colored red, and because they are the largest kangaroo and own a striking red fur coat, the name stuck. Scientifically this phenomenon is called sexual dimorphism. Opposite sexes of the same species are distinctive from one another either by color and size or added ornamentation.

The second thing you’ll think of when you meet Jirra is how sweet she is. She loves to meet San Diego Zoo visitors and smell their shoes. This opportunity gives each party a very up-close-and-personal view of one another. Are you interested?

The San Diego Zoo has launched a new adventure called Backstage Pass. Guests can purchase a ticket near the main entrance at the booking station and enjoy a 1½-hour encounter with animals, a gourmet lunch, and watch a private show. Come early or reserve your seat ahead of time. Jirra is one of the many animal stars that you could meet on your adventure during Backstage Pass.

Maureen O. Duryee is a senior animal trainer at the San Diego Zoo.

Posted in Animal Stories, Default, General, The Zoo Journal | Link to this post

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