Kangaroos are fascinating marsupials that are usually found all over Australia. They carry their joeys in their pouches and can hop great distances. Fascinating, right? But the most fascinating thing we noticed is that kangaroos are so buff and look like they hit the gym daily.
The male kangaroos can put any human being to shame with their huge biceps. Their impressive build and muscle mass have all of us asking, “Why are kangaroos so buff?”
If you are someone like us, looking for this answer, you came to the right place. So, let’s get to know the reasons behind this mystery!
What are the Reasons for Kangaroos Being Jacked?
Buff kangaroos, which you see in the wild or in zoos, are male red kangaroos weighing up to 200 pounds. These are usually massive kangaroos with strong arms, protruding muscles, as well as large, muscular chests and abdomens. Even world-champion boxers would be envious of them!
But what are the reasons for these fantastically jacked kangaroos? Let’s find out!
1. Hopping
Have you ever seen a kangaroo walk? No, right? Because they never walk! Kangaroos always use bipedal hopping to move from one place to another, which initially works as a workout for their muscular structure.
Moreover, kangaroos hop by using their powerful hind legs and tail to propel themselves forward. They begin by lowering their hindquarters and tail, then using their hind legs to push off the ground with great force. As they push off, they extend their hind legs, tail, and body forward and upward, with the legs then being tucked underneath them just before they land.
This hopping motion allows kangaroos to cover large distances quickly and efficiently, using less energy than if they were to run on all fours. Additionally, the elastic tendons (Achilles tendon) in their hind legs store energy as they lower their body, which is then released as they push off, making their movements even more efficient. Just like a spring, but a giant one!
Kangaroos can leap over 30 feet distance and 10 feet high with their jumping motion when necessary. This hopping motion requires them to have strong and powerful leg muscles, so they develop them over time.
2. Genetics
Have you ever seen a red kangaroo? They are the largest species and marsupials in the world. Their tail is as strong as their hind legs and also helps them stand upright sometimes.
Moreover, kangaroos are ultra-aerobic, which means they have big hearts and an abundance of muscular mitochondria. Just like dogs and horses, kangaroos naturally have energetic personalities, and thus, it improves their physique.
Did you know a red kangaroo’s weight consists of 50% of its muscle mass? These muscles are usually around their pelvis and hind legs and also uptake 3 times more oxygen than those of other animals due to being naturally active.
3. Fighting
Kangaroos will break out into fights anywhere and anytime. If there’s another male in the area, they will just start fighting without a care. Their fights aren’t innocent, though, and can sometimes become brutal and bloody. At this time, only the strongest kangaroo will become the winner.
But one thing you will notice during these fights is that the fights are just like boxing matches or even wrestling. The male kangaroos punch and push each other while trying to grab one another. They use their hind legs to kick and their claws to blow a punch at one another. They also use all their energy and musculature during the fight, which works as a workout routine. In this way, their muscle mass grows daily and gets toned.
4. Mating or Dominance
Male kangaroos may fight because they like it, but the main reason for their fights is to get the female kangaroos’ attention. They want to show their dominance over the others and win the hearts of all the females in the mob.
During the fights, the male kangaroos box with each other while flexing their muscles and trying to attract the females. These fights usually occur during the females’ oestrus or reproduction cycle and are not always long but can be pretty intense.
Moreover, during the mating season, the victorious male kangaroo gets to mate with all the females in the mob, which is usually 10 females making up a mob. The more muscular the male kangaroo, the more possibility it has to attract the females successfully.
Older male kangaroos have an advantage in these fights because kangaroo muscles never stop growing. So, they get more buffed each day and have a higher possibility of beating the young ones.
On the other hand, female kangaroos love muscular and ripped kangaroos and usually settle for them in the mating season, leaving the young and less athletic kangaroos aside.
Aside from the goal of getting all the ladies, kangaroos are territorial, and they don’t like when another male or even another species enters their territory. They will try to fight the animal until it decides to leave or eventually loses the fight.
Australians usually face this problem when a kangaroo becomes threatened and decides to fight with a pet dog that is minding its own business.
Learning About Kangaroo’s Muscles
Kangaroos are highly specialized animals with several adaptations in their muscles and bodies that make them well-suited for their environment.
Their hind legs and tail are the most developed, allowing them to jump great distances and move quickly. The quadriceps and hamstrings in their hind legs are particularly strong, giving them the power to propel themselves forward. These muscles help them travel at 35 mph or 56 km/h even. Aside from that, their tail muscles are also well-developed, providing balance and stability while they move.
In addition to their hind limb and tail muscles, kangaroos have a unique muscle structure in their legs that reduces energy consumption. This allows them to conserve energy while traveling long distances. The tendons in their legs also store energy, making each jump more efficient.
But all these are possible because of their diet. Kangaroos are herbivores, and they don’t consume anything that is high in calories. So, they eat a lot of leaves and grasses, about equal to 12% of their body weight, to maintain their muscle and body mass.
Their body is also well adapted for movement, with a compact, streamlined shape that reduces drag and allows maximum mobility. Kangaroos have large hearts and lungs that provide the necessary oxygen for their muscles to work efficiently. Their body temperature is regulated to maintain a constant internal environment, even during intense activity.
Overall, kangaroos have a combination of anatomy and genetics that make them highly athletic and capable of withstanding the physical demands of their environment.
You may also like: How Strong are Orangutans?
Kangaroo Facts & FAQs
Why do kangaroos flex their muscles?
Male kangaroos flexing and showing off their muscles is an everyday activity. They flex to grab the attention of the females.
Are ripped kangaroos scary?
Jacked, ripped kangaroos can actually be terrifying. If your pet or any human being enters their territory, they won’t back off without a fight.
Which is the most muscular, buff kangaroo?
Roger, also known as the “Ripped Roger,” was the most muscular and buff kangaroo who lived in a sanctuary in Australia. But he died in 2018, leaving his son Monty to be the next most buff kangaroo.
How powerful is a kangaroo’s kick and punch?
A red kangaroo can kick with a force of 759 PSI (pounds of force). They also serve a fierce punch of 275 PSI that will definitely give you a black eye.
How forceful is a kangaroo’s bite?
Aside from their heavy kicks and punches, kangaroos have powerful jaws with a bite force of 925 PSI (almost equal to a grizzly bear).
Conclusion
You must have never seen a more fine and more buff animal than a kangaroo. Their muscles are naturally built to support their muscular bodies and help them travel. Moreover, their buff structure allows them to be superior and hold a powerful place in the mob.
However, be sure not to threaten a male kangaroo; otherwise, you will encounter a fight. So, next time you see one, appreciate its muscular structure from afar.
