Kangaroos are iconic marsupials native to Australia, recognizable by their powerful hind legs, large feet, and long, muscular tails. These unique physical adaptations allow them to move by hopping, a distinct form of locomotion among large mammals. Female kangaroos possess a specialized pouch, or marsupium, where their young, known as joeys, complete their early development. They are a prominent symbol of Australia.
The First European Sighting
The first documented encounter of Europeans with a kangaroo occurred in 1770 during Captain James Cook’s maiden voyage aboard the HMS Endeavour. After the ship sustained damage on the Great Barrier Reef, the crew spent nearly seven weeks ashore for repairs near what is now Cooktown, Queensland, specifically at the Endeavour River. During this period, the ship’s botanist, Joseph Banks, and his artist, Sydney Parkinson, made significant observations. Banks recorded a sighting on July 12, 1770, describing an animal “as large as a greyhound, of a mouse colour and very swift.”
Cook himself noted seeing the animal, initially mistaking it for a type of wild dog due to its size and color, but observed its unique hopping movement. Its novelty was apparent to the European crew. Parkinson created an illustration, which was among the first visual representations of a kangaroo to reach Europe. This marked the formal introduction of the kangaroo to the Western world.
Origin of the Name
The name “kangaroo” entered the English language directly from the Indigenous Australian Guugu Yimithirr language during Captain Cook’s time in Queensland in 1770. The word “gangurru” was used by the local Guugu Yimithirr people to refer specifically to the Eastern Grey Kangaroo.
Contrary to a widely circulated anecdote, the word “gangurru” does not mean “I don’t understand you.” This popular myth suggests a misunderstanding between the explorers and Indigenous Australians. Instead, linguistic and historical evidence confirms that “gangurru” was indeed the name for the animal in that specific Aboriginal language. Joseph Banks recorded the term in his diary, and was adopted as the generic English term for all kangaroo species.
Ancient Knowledge of Kangaroos
While Europeans “discovered” kangaroos in 1770, Indigenous Australians had possessed extensive knowledge of these animals for tens of thousands of years. Kangaroos have been an integral part of Aboriginal cultures for over 60,000 years. Their relationship with kangaroos extends beyond mere observation, encompassing deep cultural, spiritual, and practical connections.
Kangaroos are often significant totems for various Indigenous groups, representing important aspects of their identity and spiritual beliefs. They have been a traditional food source, with Indigenous communities employing sustainable hunting practices. Kangaroos also feature prominently in ancient rock art, storytelling, and ceremonies, reflecting their enduring presence in Indigenous dreamtime narratives and daily life. This interaction highlights a sophisticated understanding of kangaroo behavior and ecology.