# Kangaroos and emus not walking backwards **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 14, 2002, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328 "2002-03-14T19:46:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2002, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/1 "2002-03-14T19:46:04Z")
Here’s another factoid I unearthed, and surprisingly, it doesn’t seem to have been dealt with here. Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards, and are on the Australian seal for that reason. OK. My first thought is well, emus and kangaroos are on the seal because they’re animals commonly associated with Australia. Checking the official Australian government web site, I found a page with the original seal. Interestingly enough, it pictures an emu and kangaroo (so?) with the motto “always forward.” (ah!) However, the explanation for the seal makes no mention of the fact that the animals can only go forward and simply states what I assumed: that they’re just symbolic animals of Australia. So two things here, then. Is it true that kangaroos and emus cannot walk backwards? (I can believe kangaroos, but emus seems suspect to me.) If so, then is the use of these animals simply coincidental with the “motto.” (Which I think would be the case. Though I suppose they could’ve chosen a koala and an ostrich.) ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2002, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/2 "2002-03-14T21:43:26Z")
There are a few thousand sites that claim that those critters cannot walk backward and that that was the reason they were chosen for the seal. Among the factoids, kids’ sites, and glurge sites, I did find an [International Wildlife Magazine](http://www.nwf.org/internationalwildlife/kangaroo.html) article that confirms (with a bit more credibility than most) that Kangaroos cannot walk backward. And a [Detroit Free Press](http://216.247.63.129/stories/australia3.htm) (kids) article that repeats the kangaroo line, but claims that emus _can_ (but only poorly). The Australian Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet web site has [Guidelines on the Coat of Arms](http://www.dpmc.gov.au/docs/displaycontents1.cfm?&ID=122#coat) that mention that the Kangaroo and Emu are unique to Australia while not mentioning anything regarding their locomotion. ---
**Author:** ![Motog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85e7bf/32.png) [@Motog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Motog)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2002, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/3 "2002-03-14T21:58:46Z")
Can’t recall ever seeing a kangaroo walk backwards but have definitely seen emus take a step or two backwards when shying away from something. There might be a reason why a kangaroo couldn’t walk backwards (shape of legs, large tail) but that would just be a guess. I would doubt that there would be a physiological reason that would stop an emu from walking backwards. I’d strongly suspect that, as with most animals, it’s just easier to turn around and walk the other way rather than trying to walk backwards especially as they can’t easily see behind them. ---
**Author:** ![Darwins\_Finch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darwins_finch/32/20304_2.png) [@Darwins\_Finch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darwins_Finch)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2002, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/4 "2002-03-14T22:45:42Z")
[Another site confirming the kangaroo’s lack of ability to walk backwards](http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/chordata/mammalia/diprotodontia/macropodidae.html). Interestingly, I found [this site](http://www.netpets.com/birds/healthspa/vet/ratite4.html), which state the following: > [@](#): > > _Baylisascaris_ > > Key points: **Recognized in all ratite species** ; **neuromuscular signs may include** ataxia, loss of equilibrium, circling, staggering, **walking backwards** and inability to stand or walk at all. > > _Baylisascaris procyonis_ is reported as a cause of cerebrospinal nematodiasis in the ostrich and emu, and is believed to be a potential problem in rheas and cassowaries as well. Clinical signs that have been noted include: progressive neurologic disease, loss of equilibrium and balance, progressive ataxia, circling, staggering, walking backwards and ultimately inability to stand or walk. Unfortunately, it isn’t terribly clear whether the “walking backwards” symptom applies to emus, or only to the non-emu ratites. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2002, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/5 "2002-03-15T14:08:00Z")
**tomndebb** - it seems you’ve hit most of the sources I found. Though I certainly can believe kangaroos cannot walk backwards, emus don’t quite work for me. I suppose some field research is in order. (Although the other posters seems to support this conclusion.) That said, it would seem rather odd to use these animals as symbols for the motto “always forward” if the symbology is, well, unknown. I mean, really, who the heck would think of kangaroos and emus as symbols for progressiveness? ---
**Author:** ![Aamanzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b487fb/32.png) [@Aamanzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aamanzi)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2011, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/6 "2011-01-25T22:56:44Z")
As an Australian we are Proud of our Nation, Like every other Nation I suspect. It is a part of our National Knowledge to know (and a required question for any person wanting Citizenship) that the reason a Kangaroo and Emu are on the Australian Coat of arms, is because Neither Animal can take a backward step. WELL I AM SORRY TO LET YOU ALL DOWN, BUT THE TRUTH IS NOW OUT! 6 months ago I moved to a small town on the sleepy south coast of New South Wales called Jamberoo. I live on a large farm that is actually a Wildlife Reserve and there are approximately 300 Kangaroos on this property. They come to my bedroom window every morning and crowd around my car on my way to work. On more than one occasion I was absolutely startled to see two things 1. On several occasions I have seen them hop backwards, (No not turn around) but hop directly backwards. I thought to myself, “they are not suppose to take a backwards step” (or hop) but given they do not take a forward step (hop) then I was satisfied that a Kangaroo can take a backward step 2. What was more shocking is that yesterday morning (January 25th 2011 - the day before our National Holiday - Australia Day) I had 3 Kangaroos pushing their nose against the glass on my bedroom window (the whole wall is a window) and I walked up to the Window to see how close I could get, and the larger of the three proceeded to lift each foot in turn and took 3 steps backwards to move away from the window. Kangaroos Can Walk Backwards (Sorry Australia, Our Coat of Arms and National Pride has just died) Read more: [Answers - The Most Trusted Place for Answering Life's Questions](http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Can%27t_a_kangaroo_walk_backwards#ixzz1C5exqY2M) ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2011, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/7 "2011-01-25T23:17:11Z")
> [@Aamanzi](#): > > They come to my bedroom window every morning and crowd around my car on my way to work. “They come to my bedroom window every morning …” I don’t wish to be rooo’d but please explain. BTW, I can still recall all these years later of a fight between two large grays in the early morning. Each walked backwards before again advancing to attack the other. ---
**Author:** ![Aamanzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b487fb/32.png) [@Aamanzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aamanzi)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2011, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/8 "2011-01-26T06:12:07Z")
😕 Dear Rood 🙂 I am not sure what you are asking me to explain? I thought that I had explained it all? The original purpose of my post was to dispel the myth that most people seem to think that Kangaroos cannot walk backwards. It appears that both you and I agree on that point , its just that everyone seems to think contrary to the truth? and not many places testify to the truth I am happy to explain more but I am unsure of your requested clarification? ---
**Author:** ![EvilTOJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee59a6/32.png) [@EvilTOJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EvilTOJ)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2011, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/9 "2011-01-26T10:33:16Z")
He wants to know why they were looking in your window in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2011, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/10 "2011-01-26T11:45:56Z")
> [@EvilTOJ](#): > > He wants to know why they were looking in your window in the first place. Me, too! ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2011, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/11 "2011-01-26T16:00:53Z")
Also, dogs can’t look up. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2011, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/12 "2011-01-26T16:41:12Z")
> [@Tom\_Tildrum](#): > > Also, dogs can’t look up. Nowadays, like everyone else, they just Google. ---
**Author:** ![Giles](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giles/32/60_2.png) [@Giles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giles)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2011, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/13 "2011-01-26T17:11:48Z")
> [@tomndebb](#): > > The Australian Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet web site has [Guidelines on the Coat of Arms](http://www.dpmc.gov.au/docs/displaycontents1.cfm?&ID=122#coat) that mention that the Kangaroo and Emu are unique to Australia while not mentioning anything regarding their locomotion. That link is now dead, 8 years later. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade currently has a page on the [Coat of Arms](http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/coat_of_arms.html) which says: [QUOTE=DFAT] The supporters are native Australian animals: the red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) and the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). It is thought the kangaroo and emu were chosen to symbolise a nation moving forward, reflecting a common belief that neither animal can move backwards easily. [/QUOTE] ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2011, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/14 "2011-01-26T17:22:02Z")
> [@](#): > > an emu and kangaroo (so?) with the motto “always forward.” (ah!) And whirling, whirling, whirling toward freedom! ---
**Author:** ![sisu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@sisu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sisu)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2011, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/15 "2011-01-26T23:55:03Z")
Just an aside, are we the only country that eats it’s coat of arms? ---
**Author:** ![caveman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/caveman/32/7242_2.png) [@caveman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/caveman)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2011, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/16 "2011-01-27T00:01:36Z")
> [@sisu](#): > > Just an aside, are we the only country that eats it’s coat of arms? Americans don’t often chow on bald eagle, but we do eat olives. ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2011, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/17 "2011-01-27T00:43:08Z")
> [@sisu](#): > > Just an aside, are we the only country that eats it’s coat of arms? Scan through the gallery, and see what you think: > **[Armorial of sovereign states](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallery_of_country_coats_of_arms)** > > This armorial of sovereign states shows the coat of arms, national emblem, or seal for every sovereign state. Although some countries do not have an official national emblem, unofficial emblems which are de facto used as national emblems are also shown below. > Note that due to copyright restrictions in some countries (including Canada, South Africa, and Qatar), some emblems may not be displayed, or may be displayed with slight alterations in appearance from their official rendition, but nonethe... Some have marlins - those are usually fished for sport, but are sometimes eaten. I’ll bet some of those countries with a bull on it eat beef. There’s several varieties of deer or African antelope species. Not to mention horses, which many cultures don’t have a taboo about eating. Cameloids, too, possibly. The birds look like they’re probably off the menu - secretary birds, flamingos, pelicans, parrots, eagles with singular or double heads, buzzards, err, actually those are condors … Of course, I could be snarky and suggest Fiji … ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2011, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/18 "2011-01-27T03:03:28Z")
> [@caveman](#): > > Americans don’t often chow on bald eagle, but we do eat olives. Although that can [lead to trouble as well](http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/us/27brfs-KUCINICHSUES_BRF.html). ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2011, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kangaroos-and-emus-not-walking-backwards/98328/19 "2011-01-27T03:12:28Z")
Wow. I have no recollection of ever starting this thread.