Can Kangaroos Swim? (Video Evidence)

jumping red kangaroo on the beach australia 2021 08 26 16 56 33 utc scaled e1670023978197

Affiliate Disclaimer
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
We may get a commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

Whether kangaroos can swim or not has been discussed by a lot of people over the years, here I will try and explain both the reasons why they are actually adept swimmers and also why some people would think that they would just drown if they were to find themself in a lot of water.

How do kangaroos swim?

Kangaroos are an iconic species of Australia, but many people don’t know that they can actually swim. The kangaroo is a member of the macropod family, which includes all species of marsupials.

While most other members of the family are either poor swimmers or lack the ability to swim altogether, kangaroos have developed a special way to move independently in the water.

Depending on the subspecies, some kangaroos can swim quite well and even use their powerful hind legs and tail to paddle through the water like any human swimmer. This adaptation has allowed them to evade predators and traverse larger bodies of water with ease.

All in all, though they may not be as fast or agile as some other aquatic animals, kangaroos can definitely hold their own in the water and make sure they stay safe from potential predators.

Even young baby kangaroos show instinctive good swimming capabilities in the water. They don’t inhale water and keep their head and neck straight above the surface to breathe and help with their buoyancy.

Kangaroo Swimming In a little Water:

Why Do Kangaroos Swim?

Kangaroos are marsupials native to Australia, and they swim for a variety of reasons. In 1974, a flood in Australia caused many kangaroos to take to the water in order to escape from being chased by dogs. The grey kangaroo was particularly adept at swimming and so it became instinctive for kangaroos to swim in order to escape predators.

This is beneficial for young kangaroos who are still learning how to stay safe. When swimming, kangaroos use their hind legs and feet as paddles while their clawed front paws remain above the surface in order to keep them afloat. 

Another interesting fact is that if they are pursued into the water, a kangaroo may use its forepaws to hold its predator underwater so as to drown it.

Wallaby is shocked to see a couple and jumps into the river and strikes out for land:

Can Kangaroos Swim In Deep Water?

Kangaroos can swim, although they are not known for being powerful swimmers when they need to be. In fact, a recent study shows a big male Eastern Grey Kangaroo swimming in deep water. This is the first time that a male Eastern Grey Kangaroo has been seen swimming in deep water, and it shows that kangaroos can be surprisingly capable swimmers when they need to be.

The male Eastern Grey Kangaroo was seen paddling its way across the lake with ease, showing that these animals have more than enough strength and agility to make their way through the water. Although kangaroos may not be as strong of swimmers as some other animals, this study shows that they are still able to traverse deep waters when necessary.

Facts To Proof that Kangaroo can swim?

Kangaroos have been spotted swimming in the wild, and there is plenty of evidence to suggest that kangaroos are capable swimmers. For example, they have strong hind legs which allow them to propel themselves forward in the water.

When swimming, kangaroos use their tail as a rudder to steer themselves and keep their head above the surface of the water. Furthermore, kangaroo fur helps insulate them from cold temperatures when they enter the water. This means that kangaroos can stay in for extended periods of time without getting too cold or tired. All these facts prove that kangaroos are indeed capable swimmers.

Why Would People Think That Kangaroos Can’t Swim

Many people might think that kangaroos’ swimming is impossible because they are not built like swimmers. They have four legs and a muscular tail, which would make it difficult for them to move in the water. The kangaroo also lacks webbed feet, which are necessary for propulsion in water.

On top of this, kangaroos have no natural protection from predators when in the water. As a result, they would be vulnerable if they were to attempt to swim.

All of these facts make it seem unlikely that a kangaroo could be a successful swimmer. However, despite all of these factors working against them, there is evidence that suggests some kangaroos may actually be able to swim short distances.

How Far Can Kangaroos Swim?

While roos don’t spend much of their time in the water, they are quite capable swimmers when necessary. They use their strong front legs and tail as paddles to propel themselves through the water.

When scared, they often took to the water and one grey kangaroo was seen swimming over 300 meters. But it’s estimated that they can swim even further. Especially considering the

An incident in 1966 reported seeing a couple of kangaroos being chased by dogs. The frightened kangaroos ended up swimming 2 miles (3km) to another shore. No detailed study of long-distance swimming by kangaroos has been done, but this incident shocked many people who underestimated these marsupials.

Do Kangaroos Dog-Paddle when they swim?

Kangaroos’, are biped animal that moves on two legs, but swims paddling with all four limbs. But it moves its forelimbs and back limbs on the same side in union It also swings its powerful tail from side to side, like a crocodile, providing a little additional propulsion. Research also found that most of the forward propulsion was actually provided by the kangaroo’s front limbs. The powerful back legs and tail are mainly used for balance.

Can kangaroos swim fast?

Kangaroos use their tail to propel them through the water. This allows them to move quickly and efficiently, making them quite speedy when in the water. Moreover, they can also use their powerful hind legs to move through the water with ease.

They may not be able to keep up with dolphins or sea turtles but they still have impressive swimming capabilities. In fact, kangaroos have been recorded swimming for up to 2 miles (3km) at a time without rest – an indication of their strong swimming abilities.

Overall, kangaroos may not be considered the fastest swimmers around but they certainly demonstrate that marsupials can get around on land and water alike with pace and grace.

How fast can a kangaroo swim mph?

Kangaroos are able to swim at an impressive speed of what some estimate to be around 40 mph. This is incredibly fast for land animals, and it allows them to quickly move across distances.

Can a red kangaroo swim?

Yes, Red kangaroos are the largest marsupials in the world and can swim well. They use their tails for propulsion and can move quickly through the water.

What are the Similarities and Differences Between Camels Spitting and Kangaroos Swimming?

Camels and spitting behavior explained: Camels are known to spit as a defense mechanism, using their saliva to ward off predators. On the other hand, kangaroos are not equipped for swimming, as their anatomy is designed for hopping. While both actions serve as means of self-preservation, camels spit to protect themselves, whereas kangaroos rely on their powerful hind limbs for survival in their natural habitat.

Do kangaroos like to swim?

Kangaroos are marsupials and they are able to swim. Some people think that kangaroos like to swim because it makes them feel cool, but other people think that they swim because they want to get a drink.

But mostly it is used practically to either get away from the danger of crossing the water. You don’t see a roo submerging themself and bathing per se.

Table of contents

About the author

Latest Posts

  • Fun Facts About Chameleons

    Fun Facts About Chameleons

    Did you know that chameleons are among the most visually stunning and unique reptiles on the planet? These fascinating creatures are known for their amazing abilities and distinct chameleon characteristics, which include far more than just their legendary color-changing skills. In truth, chameleons possess a great deal of adaptability, allowing them to thrive in various…

    Read more

  • Fun Facts About Donkeys

    Fun Facts About Donkeys

    As you delve into the world of donkey trivia, prepare to have your heart charmed by these adorable donkeys. Often overshadowed by their equine cousins, donkeys are fascinating creatures filled with interesting donkey facts that defy common misconceptions. From their pivotal role in history to their remarkable adaptability, these gentle animals harbor a wealth of…

    Read more

  • Fun Facts About Narwhals

    Fun Facts About Narwhals

    Shrouded in the frosty embrace of the Arctic Circle, the narwhal has long captivated the human imagination as one of the most enchanting inhabitants of Arctic wildlife. With their distinctive narwhal tusks spiraling through icy waters, these creatures, bearing the whimsical moniker ‘sea unicorns,’ beckon adventurers and scientists alike to unearth narwhal facts that converge…

    Read more