Why Kangaroos Can’t Hop in Reverse

Kangaroos primarily move by hopping forward, and their anatomy, particularly their powerful tails and large feet, makes it difficult for them to walk or hop backward.

While they might be able to shuffle backward a short distance, they cannot perform the same graceful backward movement as they do forward.

That’s because kangaroos are built like spring-loaded pogo sticks. Their long, muscular tails act like a fifth leg for balance and support, and their big feet are designed for bouncing, not backing up. Trying to hop backward would be like someone wearing scuba flippers trying to moonwalk.

In fact, kangaroos are so committed to forward motion that Australia chose them as a symbol of progress, you’ll find one proudly displayed on the country’s coat of arms, alongside an emu (which also can’t walk backward!).

Here’s a fun comparison: kangaroo legs are like a tightly wound rubber band. When they jump, they store and release energy, letting them travel up to 25 feet in a single bound. But there’s no rewind button. Backward just isn’t in their design.

Imagine a kangaroo traffic jam—no one’s backing out! Instead, they hop forward with power and precision, a constant forward flow of fluffy strength.