Kangaroos cannot jump or walk backwards.
Kangaroos have large feet and a big tail which stops them being able to jump or walk backwards. Another reason they can’t go backwards is they are not capable of moving each leg independently. Unless they are swimming. And they are very good swimmers.
But we have seen one or two rare videos where a kangaroo is playing and doing zoomies, and they can go backwards! But it’s not common to see!
Here are a few other fun facts about kangaroos.
- The Red Kangaroo is the largest of all the kangaroos, and can grow 2 metres tall!
- Australia uses a kangaroo on their coat of arms as a symbol of national progress because a kangaroo can only move forward.
- Kangaroos can't move their hind legs independently of each other, uness they are in water when they are swimming.
- Kangaroos don't sweat. Instead they lick their front paws and rub the moisture onto their chests to cool down.
- Kangaroos can reach speeds of 60 kilometres per hour, clearing more than 8 metres with one single hop!
- Just like cattle, kangaroos regurgitate their food, chewing it twice before it passes through their chambered stomach.
- One species of kangaroo is the Tree Kangaroo. And yes they live in trees!
- A group of kangaroos is called a 'mob', 'troop' or 'court'.
- Baby kangaroos are called joeys and they stay in their mother's pouch at around 8 months.
- Joey's poop and pee in the pouch! So mum has to clean the pouch out regularly.
Do you love animals? Buy your own for you to cuddle!
That's Not My Kangaroo!
Meet five adorable kangaroos in this exciting addition to the much-loved That’s not my… book series.
Babies love the best-selling “That’s not my…” books with their bold illustrations, patches to stroke, and a mouse to spot on every page, all designed to develop sensory and language awareness.