There’s a Place in Australia Where You Can Cuddle Baby Kangaroos

Cailey Rizzo
Updated

Attention, world. This is not a test. There is a place in Australia where it’s possible to cuddle with a baby kangaroo.

The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs, Australia, adopts stray and orphaned kangaroos from around the country. The sanctuary rehabilitates orphaned kangaroos and then releases them back into the wild when ready. Those who cannot be re-released stay and live in the sanctuary.

Related: How 'Crocodile Dundee' Changed Tourism in Australia

The operation is owned by a man nicknamed “Kangaroo Dundee,” after a documentary and several TV appearances.

“Kangaroo Dundee” (whose real name is Chris Barns) leads visitors on guided expeditions through the sanctuary to teach them about kangaroo care and rehabilitation.

The tour lasts about three hours and takes visitors on a leisurely walk through the sanctuary’s 188-acre reserve. During the tour, visitors will not only see the famous sanctuary and its inhabitants but will have the opportunity to hold a baby kangaroo (or joey).

eservations are necessary and often fill up far in advance, according to the website. Admission is $85 for adults and $45 for children.

Scarlett and Minnie Mouse are best friends ???????? . Photo by Marli ???? our good friend & Scarlett’s mum ??

A post shared by The Kangaroo Sanctuary (@thekangaroosanctuary) on Dec 30, 2017 at 2:51am PST

Those who can’t make it to Australia can follow the organization on social media to see the kangaroos in action.

I know y'all might think I've run off to become a zookeeper, but I can't not post this. Thank you for my farewell hug, dear Abi. @thekangaroosanctuary @ausoutbacknt

A post shared by Laura Brown (@laurabrown99) on Dec 28, 2016 at 10:30pm PST

Gorgeous Chloe and baby at sunset ???? ???????? I rescued Chloe in 2008. Sadly her mum was hit by a car and Chloe survived in her mums pouch. Chloe was about the size of her little baby here when I rescued her. She has grown up into a strong, healthy and beautiful kangaroo and she’s a great mum ??

A post shared by The Kangaroo Sanctuary (@thekangaroosanctuary) on Jan 19, 2018 at 3:34pm PST

They hang out and babies peek out of their mother’s pouches.

Minnie Mouse loves going for a drive in our car ????????????

A post shared by The Kangaroo Sanctuary (@thekangaroosanctuary) on Jan 15, 2018 at 8:18pm PST

They wear seatbelts when they ride in cars.

Come and meet some of our kangaroos! ???? We often are asked how we tell our kangaroos apart. To us, each has its own colourings, shape and personality. ????

A post shared by The Kangaroo Sanctuary (@thekangaroosanctuary) on Jan 9, 2018 at 3:46am PST

And they eat dinner like a family.

Sebastian is practising his courting skills with Molly-Fleur ???? Sebastian is a little too young to mate with a female, but as you can see kangaroo courtship is a very romantic affair. The male follows the female and gently taps or holds her tail. The female moves forward until she decides if she wants to mate with the male. The courtship often goes on for several days.

A post shared by The Kangaroo Sanctuary (@thekangaroosanctuary) on Jan 22, 2018 at 7:17pm PST

A follow will not only yield adorable content, but also educational. On Tuesday, social media followers learned that kangaroo courtship involves the man following the female around and tapping her tail until she agrees.

Although be warned: Following may make your desire to go see the sanctuary in person burn even stronger.