North Dakota Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife

The term Wallaby describes a number of species of small kangaroo. In fact, that is what wallabies are; members of the kangaroo family that do not grow as big as kangaroo.

Both the kangaroo and wallaby belong to the Macropod Family, which contains large-footed animals. Their oversized feet are ideal for jumping — their only form of locomotion.

Both also belong to Marsupial Infraclass, meaning they have a front-opening pouch to carry their babies. However, some animals in the marsupial family, like the wombat, have backward-opening pouches.

The kangaroo has very long legs between the knees and the ankles. This makes their legs oversized compared to their body. The wallaby has more compact legs which are shorter.

The kangaroo generally feasts on grasses because it lives in open treeless areas. The wallaby on the other hand, eats mostly leaves because it lives in forest areas.