Growing Together
When Indie was mated, she still seemed soooo young. But with every day that her little bub grew and matured, so did she. What an honour it has been to witness.
Below is one of those magic moments at magic hour. The look Indie gives me when Charlie decides to “go off” exploring is priceless. Very much a “see what I’m dealing with?!” reaction. But when Charlie gets startled and a little bit anxious, she immediately leans forward and starts calling him “click-click-click” back to the safety of her pouch. It doesn’t get much more motherly than that.
All legs, short fur and a lot of attitude, like any toddler.
Of course wanting to cuddle your child while their focus is elsewhere, is universal.
She’s so vigilant; always keeping an eye out for any dangers when Charlie was out of her pouch, even a little tumble.
This was one of those mornings when he was in and out and in and out again. How sweetly Indie tries to keep him out with some cuddles and hugs.
We are all fascinated by a kangaroo mother’s ability to release and contract that pouch. This video really shows her control, not only her ability to control the speed in which it opens, but also how she can let him nurse, but not get back into her pouch until she’s ready.
Watching her lay down with Charlie in her pouch is always a sight, and the way she reaches out to him and nuzzles him while they relax together, such a delight.
At 8 months and 1 week, look how soft and fluffy Charlie is now!
A kangaroo joey is as curious as a human child. Look how quickly Charlie stops nursing when a Crimson Rosella walks past. Too cute! At the end of this clip is young Mr. Darcy, a kangaroo I had in care on soft release. His look says it all.
Like all mothers, Indie did have her moments when she was a little less gentle (LOL!).
That hug between them on this page in the book can be found in the video below. Such a touching moment.
Watching her hop off into the bush with that full pouch is still amazing.
I summed up about a month of growth on these two pages. It took me a while to figure out how to write the sound I was hearing when Indie would call Charlie to her. My hope is that the readers who have watched these videos will be able to mimic the sound clicking their tongue because they know it; for the others reading the words “click-click’ will have to do.
