Kangaroo Valley 2022

In a lush Australian valley, Mala—the joey who will soon test her first steps—peeks out from Lowanna’s pouch, while her sibling Buru hops with carefree joy. Bamir, the largest buck and Mala’s father, leads the kangaroo mob through the changing seasons. The Narrator’s voice is provided by Sarah Snook.

Beyond the valley, the Black Forest looms, scarred by recent wildfires and home to a dingo pack led by Migaloo. Migaloo’s son Miro is the same age as Mala and is still learning the craft of hunting. During one chase, Miro pursues a mother kangaroo carrying a joey in her pouch; the joey topples out but manages to escape, dodging the danger for the moment.

Life in Mala’s valley is a delicate balance. Only one in five kangaroo joeys makes it to their first birthday, so Mala has a lot to learn if she is to survive her first year. The valley hosts a lively cast of creatures: the grumpy wombat Warrin, Willie the Wagtail, a curious koala, sugar gliders, and a chorus of colorful parrots. A wedge-tailed eagle poses a constant threat to the joeys, but the smaller birds’ alarm calls usually alert the mob to danger.

When the next dingo hunt arrives, chaos erupts and Mala becomes separated from Lowanna. The danger climaxes as the dingoes surround Bamir, and he is brought down. After the tension subsides, Mala is reunited with Lowanna, and the family begins to regroup.

Winter sweeps in with snow storms that make food scarce for the kangaroos. Miro, forced to leave the dingo pack when a new litter arrives, faces his own struggle to find sustenance.

As spring returns, Mala and Miro are both out on their own, each navigating the valley’s challenges. In a final, decisive hunt, Mala outpaces Miro and escapes with her life. The new season brings the first babies of the year, reminding the valley of the ongoing circle of life and the resilience required to endure it.