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Marsupials at Play
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"The Wombat is probably the most playful marsupial.
While most animals become less playful as they get
older, the wombat plays a great deal even when they are
adults! As they run and play, wombats will often do
shoulder roles and somersaults."
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Red-Necked
Wallaby
The
Red-Necked Wallaby only plays while it is young,
and mostly it engages in play fighting. It paws like a
boxer, and it uses its arms and feet to swing at other
young wallabies! This is called sparing. This
type of play fighting is a way for young males to
practice fighting techniques for when they are older.
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Sugar Glider
The
Sugar Glider plays with a purpose. Mostly, it
practices techniques that it will use later in
life for defense against predators and other
gliders.
Sugar Glider play fighting includes gentle
slapping, playful lunges, hiss and chit
noises.
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