The ethics of eating kangaroos

 

Growing up, there was a popular series on TV called “Skippy.” It was about a super-intelligent kangaroo. He had a knack for capturing crooks, getting out of trouble, and pulling pranks.

It set the scene for many kids who are now adults. Like many other Australians, they have a loving relationship with kangaroos.

On the other side of the table are farmers who feel exactly the opposite:

 “The only good kangaroo is a dead one.”

They decimate crops, compete with livestock for pasture, and cause havoc on the roads. Their strength allows them to break down fences, allowing livestock to escape onto highways. They tangle wires, rendering electric fences useless.

The damage bill amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

A National Emblem

The country features kangaroos in its coat of arms. Their numbers are prolific throughout the nation. Different types of kangaroos live in various areas of Australia. The latest estimates of their numbers are over 35 million.

Since their 1908 inclusion in the coat of arms, they have appeared on currency, stamps, and the Royal Australian Air Force.

They feature as the mascots for several Australian sporting teams. The “Boxing Kangaroo” became famous when Australia won the America’s Cup in 1983.  The green and gold “Sporting Kangaroo” is used at events like the Olympics and cricket where Australia plays.

They also symbolize the national airline — Qantas, known as the “Flying Kangaroo.”

 

What to do with all these kangaroos?

We eat them!

Australians have historically shown reluctance to eat kangaroos. In the past decade, they have developed a taste for this meat that is more eco-friendly than beef or pork. Chefs prepare kangaroo meat as steaks, meatballs, kebabs, sausages, pies, and more.

Eating Australia’s coat of arms and sporting mascot horrified some people. It was not helped when, on Australia Day 2013, a fast-food chain marketed a ‘coat of arms burger’.

“Sacre bleu,” as the French would say.

For some, chomping on the coat of arms is a psychological problem, but we are not alone.

Over 75% of Commonwealth countries have edible elements in their coats of arms. The Bahamas has a blue marlin, Barbados has sugar cane, and Jamaica has a crocodile (we eat them too!).

Is there also an ethical consideration in eating a national icon?

Is it any more disrespectful than eating a cake with a fancy coat of arms embedded in the icing?

I don’t think so.

Let’s face it, hundreds of thousands of kangaroos a killed each year whether they are on the menu or not.  In my opinion it would actually be more unethical to kill these animals and not do anything with carcasses.  How is it any different from any other animal that is killed fro food?

 

Why shouldn’t we eat kangaroos

Vegetarians will tell you that eating any meat is not on. Yet worldwide, billions of people do it daily and can think of nothing better than a juicy steak.

Animal rights activists have been the main opponents. They stir up anxiety about killing our national emblem to extinction.

This is not going to happen.

Kangaroos have unique adaptations. This allows them to reach plague proportions at times. When they do, they are slaughtered and buried.

Decades of data show that harvesting has had little effect on their numbers. Strict quotas are set at 15–20% of the kangaroo population each year. Population levels are closely monitored.

Decades of data show that harvesting kangaroos has little impact on their numbers.

Activists raise fears about killing female kangaroos with pouch joeys. This does have some merit. Most hunters harvest at night. Codes of practice require that, if a female with a joey in the pouch is killed, the joey must also be killed to avoid starving to death. However, these codes are not closely followed.

Australia does not have a good track record for complying with codes regarding native animals. (Read my article on the koalas — “How Many Deaths Does It Take; Brutal Treatment of Koalas.”)

In response, major kangaroo meat suppliers permitted the harvesting of only male kangaroos, resulting in a total harvest yield of 90% males.

 

Why should we eat kangaroos?

Kangaroo meat is not farmed. It comes from a natural, unspoiled habitat. It is free of humans, antibiotics, added growth hormones, and chemicals. Unlike current meats, especially beef, pork, and chicken, it is free-range and organic.

One of the healthiest properties of kangaroo meat is its low-fat content, less than 2%. The fat it does have is mostly polyunsaturated. You won’t see visible fat on kangaroo like you do with lamb or beef. (That is good for Jack Sprat but not for his wife, as the limerick goes).

Kangaroos are also better for the environment. Cows and sheep produce a lot of methane. It is 20 times more damaging than carbon dioxide. Kangaroos produce very little methane.

New age thinking -Kangatarianism

People think of kangaroos as carcasses lying on the side of the road after cars hit them. For many, that is the closest they come to kangaroos.

If you think of cute little Joey, the idea of tucking into a kangaroo steak will seem unappealing.

But the same is true for baby calves, lambs, or chickens. Most meat eaters don’t let themselves think about it. It’s a psychological barrier that must be overcome.

It’s not just Australians who like it. Kangaroo meat is now exported to over 40 countries for about $150 million annually.

Kangatarianism is a new idea. It combines vegetarianism with eating kangaroo meat. It aims to reduce the impact of raising cattle, sheep, and pigs. These animals face criticism for their cruelty, environmental harm, and overuse of antibiotics.

Kangatarianism is a strong model for sustainable eating. It addresses global food production challenges. Yes, there are cultural and logistical challenges to overcome.

Personally, I find eating a kangaroo steak and environmentally-farmed vegetables much more appealing than a plate of grasshoppers!

What about you?

Would you have an ethical problem with eating kangaroo, because it is a kangaroo?

As they say, don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it. Maybe give it a go next time you see it on the menu.

Just salute the coat of arms on the way out.

Till next time,

Calvin