Five facts about kangaroos 1 Powerful Jumpers Kangaroos use their strong hind legs to leap great distances reaching speeds of up to 40 mph 64 km h and covering up to 25 feet 7 6 meters in a single bound 2 B u i l t -in Pouches Female kangaroos have a pouch called a marsupium where they carry and nurse their young called joeys until they are strong enough to survive outside 3 Can t Walk Backward Due to their muscular legs and long tails kangaroos are unable to walk backward which is why they are featured on the Australian coat of arms to symbolize progress 4 Social Creatures Kangaroos live in groups called mobs that provide protection and social interaction usually led by a dominant male 5 Water Conservation They can survive long periods without drinking water as they get most of their moisture from plants and have