In 2020 not-for-profit organisation Kangaroos Alive created World Kangaroo Day to be held every year on October 24th, the mission is to create an international day to celebrate this icon.

Kangaroos are marsupials from the subfamily Macropodinae (macropods, meaning “large foot”). In common use, the term is used to describe the largest species from this family, the red kangaroo, as well as the antilopine kangaroo, eastern grey kangaroo, and western grey kangaroo. Kangaroos are indigenous to Australia and New Guinea. World Kangaroo Day is a global movement campaigning for the ethical treatment of kangaroos. Kangaroos Alive runs education campaigns, supports scientific research, and advocates globally to end the commercial kangaroo trade. It works in partnership with First Nations organisations to amplify Indigenous voices and cultural knowledge in kangaroo conservation. The day celebrates kangaroos as iconic and culturally significant native animals, and draws attention to the threats they face from habitat loss, commercial slaughter, and misinformation. As part of the celebrations, World Kangaroo Day will feature a series of Walks and Talks. These immersive, family-friendly events invite communities to connect with Country, learn about kangaroo behaviour and habitats, and hear stories from Aboriginal Elders about the kangaroo’s role as a sacred totem. The World Kangaroo Day Photo Competition, has closed and winners of this year’s competition will be announced on 24 October. The competition was open to amateur and professional photographers with the objective of showcasing the beauty, strength and spirit of kangaroos.

Celebrate World Kangaroo Day