Buzz
When British explorers first stumbled upon Kangaroo Island—a landmass the size of Puerto Rico, located south of modern-day Adelaide—they were taken aback by the wildlife. Unlike the kangaroos on the mainland, who would instinctively keep their distance, these animals were surprisingly friendly and approachable. So much so, in fact, that the arriving crew allegedly slaughtered 31 kangaroos to prepare a massive stew—classic colonial behavior. The reason the animals were so tame was that they had never encountered humans before (the island had once been home to Aboriginal people, but they left at least 2000 years ago, for reasons unknown).
After a couple of centuries of living alongside settlers, the animals on Kangaroo Island are now understandably a bit more cautious, though humans have become much more respectful in return. As a result, this is one of the best places in the world to get up close to unique wildlife in their natural environment. A great way to experience it is by taking a guided tour with a local company like Exceptional Kangaroo Island. Their expert guides are familiar with the animals and their habitats, so they'll know where to find rare creatures like echidnas or where koalas tend to nest in the trees. And don't worry—they make sure not to disturb the animals, and instead of kangaroo stew, you'll enjoy delicious local meals that showcase the area's fresh produce.
1. Kangaroos, Kangaroos, and More Kangaroos!
Kangaroo Island is home to its own unique subspecies of kangaroo, known as the Kangaroo Island, or Sooty, kangaroo. These kangaroos are shorter and stockier than their relatives, the Western Gray, with a rich chocolate brown coat. Like all kangaroos, they are incredible jumpers, using both their powerful hind legs and tail to propel themselves. This hopping method is highly efficient, essentially 'recycling' energy like a pogo stick. Thanks to tour companies, you can access areas of the national parks that are otherwise off-limits, where you can observe wild kangaroo populations that have been carefully acclimated to the presence of humans.
2. Cape Barren Geese
The Cape Barren goose was on the brink of extinction just fifty years ago, but thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, its population has made a strong recovery. Despite this, it remains one of the rarest geese species in the world, with its distinct light gray feathers and striking bright yellow bill. This species primarily inhabits the southern coast of Australia.
3. Echidnas
Echidnas resemble a mix between a porcupine and an anteater, but they aren't related to either. In fact, they are monotremes—egg-laying mammals and the last surviving relatives of the platypus. One of the most fascinating aspects of the echidna is that it lacks a permanent pouch for carrying its eggs. Instead, it forms a temporary pouch by contracting its abdominal muscles, a unique feature in both males and females, making it tricky to tell them apart. Kangaroo Island also has its own subspecies, T. a. multiaculeatus, which can be roughly translated to 'fast tongue, very spiny!' These echidnas can flick their 9-inch-long tongues in and out up to 100 times per minute to catch insects and larvae.
4. Black Swans
Black Swans are found throughout southern Australia, migrating freely between saltwater and freshwater wetlands. They favor areas where food and nesting materials are abundant, and in the spring, they can be spotted in flooded pastures like the one shown here.
5. Sheep
Sheep farming has been a cornerstone of the local economy for years, and there are currently around 400,000 sheep on Kangaroo Island. A large number of them reside at Stranraer Homestead, a working sheep station that also serves as a peaceful bed and breakfast. Guests here often enjoy home-cooked meals featuring delicious sheep-derived haloumi cheese.
6. New Zealand Fur Seals
Despite its name, the New Zealand fur seal actually calls southern Australia its home. At the remarkable rock formation known as Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park, you can observe hundreds of these seals lounging between fishing expeditions.
7. Australian Sea Lions
The Australian sea lion is found exclusively along the south and west coasts of Australia and is making a comeback after being listed as threatened. Female sea lions will often spend up to three days at sea, hunting for food before returning to shore to feed their pups. Afterward, they take a well-deserved rest.
8. Australian Pelican
The Australian Pelican is a medium-sized pelican but is famous for having the largest bill of any bird. The longest bill on record measured an impressive 20 inches.
9. Tammar Wallabies
The tammar wallaby, the smallest of all wallabies, is about the size of a rabbit and has the remarkable ability to drink seawater!
10. Ligurian Bees
In the 1880s, settlers on Kangaroo Island imported a dozen hives of honey bees from Liguria, Italy, to assist with crop pollination and honey production. The visionary beekeepers at the time had the foresight to establish Kangaroo Island as a bee sanctuary, restricting the importation of other bee varieties. This has allowed the island to become home to one of the world's last pure strains of bees.
11. Koalas, of course!
Koalas have never faced a problem of underpopulation; in fact, overpopulation has been the real threat to their survival on the island. At one point, the sight of a starving koala in a tree stripped bare of leaves was all too common. In recent years, sterilization efforts have successfully brought the koala population back to manageable levels, making the island a great place to spot a healthy, well-fed koala in the wild.
All images courtesy of Jessanne Collins.
