If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Australia, chances are a kangaroo is at the top of your must-see list. These hopping, pouch-toting creatures have become a national symbol of curiosity, strength, and freedom. But beyond the postcards and cartoons, kangaroos are fascinating animals with personalities as varied as humans—and a few surprises hidden in their pouches (besides baby joeys).

Sitting beside a calm, sunbathing kangaroo for this piece, I realized these animals aren’t just wildlife—they’re storytellers of the Australian outback.

Kangaroos are marsupials, which means they carry and nurse their young in pouches. There are four main species: the red kangaroo (the largest), the eastern and western grey kangaroos, and the smaller antilopine kangaroo.

They’re built for the open plains, capable of leaping over 25 feet in a single bound and reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Those strong tails? Think of them as fifth legs—used for balance, communication, and even as a kickstand when they’re chilling out.

Despite their tough, muscular image, kangaroos are surprisingly social. They live in groups called mobs, which can range from a few individuals to more than a hundred. Within each mob, there’s a clear hierarchy—usually ruled by the dominant male known as the “boomer.”

But not all kangaroos are fighters. Many are gentle, curious, and even affectionate—especially the females. They communicate through thumping, grunting, and grooming, showing that life in the mob is more about connection than competition.

Kangaroos are strict herbivores with a diet that’s refreshingly simple: grass, leaves, and shrubs. They’re like nature’s lawnmowers, keeping Australia’s ecosystem balanced. Their unique digestive system allows them to extract nutrients efficiently and conserve water—perfect for surviving in dry, arid landscapes.

Fun fact: kangaroos can go for long periods without drinking, absorbing moisture directly from the plants they eat.

• A baby kangaroo, called a joey, is born the size of a jellybean and crawls into its mother’s pouch to develop.

• Kangaroos can’t walk backward—making them a symbol of progress in Australian culture.

• They use their tails for balance when hopping and as a “third leg” when standing.

• A group of kangaroos is called a mob or troop.

• They are excellent swimmers and can use water to escape predators.

Kasdyn Click: Dr. Hopsworth, you’ve worked with kangaroos for over a decade. What’s one thing people always get wrong about them?

Dr. Hopsworth: That they’re aggressive boxers! Sure, males will spar occasionally, but most of the time they’re just trying to impress the ladies. Think of it as kangaroo dating etiquette—just with more jumping.

Kasdyn Click: Do they really recognize people?

Dr. Hopsworth: Oh, absolutely. If you visit a mob regularly, they’ll start to recognize your scent and voice. Some will even hop up expecting a snack. I once had a kangaroo follow me for a week after I dropped a banana.

Kasdyn Click: What’s life like in a kangaroo mob?

Dr. Hopsworth: Picture a big family barbecue—everyone knows their place, there’s a lot of lounging, a few loud arguments, and someone always steals the best patch of grass.

Kasdyn Click: If a kangaroo could talk, what would it say to humans?

Dr. Hopsworth: Probably something like, “Stop calling us cute—we’re majestic athletes!” Then it would flex its tail and hop away dramatically.

Kangaroos aren’t just Australian icons—they’re living reminders of resilience, community, and curiosity. Whether bounding across red dirt plains or lounging in the shade, these animals embody balance—between strength and gentleness, energy and rest.

So next time you see a kangaroo, don’t just snap a photo. Take a moment to appreciate the quiet poetry of the outback’s most famous hopper.