The Australian television icon that fooled the world into believing kangaroos click their tongues
In short: Skippy the Bush Kangaroo was a global phenomenon, airing in 128 countries and becoming a staple of childhood television. Yet, the show’s most famous trait—the kangaroo’s signature clicking sound—was entirely fabricated. Behind the scenes, the production relied on clever tricks, multiple stand-ins, and even taxidermy to create the illusion.
Produced by Fauna Productions between 1967 and 1969, Skippy the Bush Kangaroo followed the adventures of a young boy named Sonny Hammond and his highly intelligent pet kangaroo in the fictional Waratah National Park. While the series was marketed as a wholesome, non-violent family show, the reality of filming was a complex technical feat. Because kangaroos are not naturally capable of the tasks Skippy performed—such as opening doors or operating radios—the production team utilized at least nine different kangaroos for the role. To simulate dexterity, they often used separate artificial arms operated by humans, and for scenes requiring the kangaroo to jump into confined spaces like a helicopter, they employed a stuffed taxidermy model.
The iconic 'tchk tchk tchk' sound associated with Skippy was a complete invention. Kangaroos do not make such noises, but producers decided a vocalization was necessary for the character. They achieved this by having staff click their tongues, a detail so convincing that many viewers still believe it is a natural kangaroo sound. To capture the illusion of the kangaroo 'speaking,' the crew would feed the animals grass, chewing gum, or chocolate, or occasionally place an elastic band around the lower jaw to encourage movement.
Despite these practical limitations, the show became one of Australia's most successful exports. It premiered in the UK in October 1967, months before its Australian debut, and eventually reached audiences from the Soviet Union to Iran. Its success spawned extensive merchandising, ranging from Skippy-branded toothpaste to moneyboxes. While the original series ended after 91 episodes, its legacy persisted through revivals, including a 1992 series featuring an adult Sonny Hammond and a 1998 animated spin-off. Today, the show remains a curious case study in how television production can blend wildlife, fiction, and clever artifice to capture the global imagination.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Skippy the Bush Kangaroo
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