Kangaroos have one of the most extraordinary reproductive systems in the animal world. According to the Australian Museum, female kangaroos have three vaginas and two uteruses. The two side vaginas transport sperm to each uterus, while the middle one is used for giving birth. This unique arrangement allows them to sustain multiple pregnancies at the same time.
Even more fascinating is their ability to pause embryo development. As National Geographic explains, a female kangaroo can support three offspring at different stages all at once: one joey living outside the pouch, one growing inside it, and one embryo waiting in a uterus. This reproductive strategy, called embryonic diapause, ensures kangaroos can keep reproducing even during Australia’s harsh and unpredictable climate.
The newborn joey, no larger than a jellybean, crawls into the pouch immediately after birth. Completely blind and hairless, it relies entirely on instinct to reach a teat inside the pouch, where it latches on and continues developing for months, according to the University of Melbourne.
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