10 Surprising Facts About Kangaroos You Didn’t Know

Aug 13, 2025

By: Isha Agarwal

They Can’t Walk Backwards

Kangaroos’ muscular tails and large hind legs make it impossible for them to move backwards. This is why they’re featured on Australia’s coat of arms, symbolising progress and moving forward.

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They Are Excellent Swimmers

Though known for hopping, kangaroos are surprisingly strong swimmers. They use their powerful legs to move through water and even use swimming as a defence tactic against predators.

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A Group is Called a Mob

Kangaroos are social animals that usually live in groups called mobs, troops, or herds. These groups can range from a few individuals to more than a hundred in one area.

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They Can Pause Pregnancy

Female kangaroos have the extraordinary ability to delay the development of an embryo until conditions are right. This process, called embryonic diapause, helps them adapt to Australia’s unpredictable climate.

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Joeys Live in the Pouch for Months

A baby kangaroo, called a joey, is born tiny and underdeveloped, then crawls into its mother’s pouch. It stays there for about six months, nursing and growing before it starts exploring outside.

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They Can Jump Over 3 Metres High

Thanks to their powerful hind legs, kangaroos can leap more than 3 metres in height and cover up to 9 metres in a single bound, making them incredible long-distance travellers.

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They Can Survive Without Drinking Water for Days

Kangaroos can go without drinking water for extended periods, getting most of their hydration from the plants they eat. This helps them thrive in Australia’s dry, arid regions.

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Their Tails Act Like a Fifth Limb

Kangaroos use their tails not just for balance but also as a support limb. They can lean on it and push off the ground while moving, giving them extra stability and strength.

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They Fight Using Boxing Moves

Male kangaroos often engage in boxing-like fights to compete for mates. They balance on their tails while kicking with their hind legs, a behaviour that’s both a display of strength and dominance.

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Kangaroo Meat is Lean and Nutritious

In Australia, kangaroo meat is considered a healthy, low-fat protein source. It’s widely consumed and promoted as an environmentally sustainable choice compared to other livestock meats.

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