Why did Aboriginal people eat kangaroo?

For tens of thousands of years, Indigenous Australians hunted kangaroo when necessary for survival. One thing they have never practiced or condoned is culling or mass slaughter.

When did Australians start eating kangaroo?

Although kangaroos have been hunted for their meat by the Indigenous Australians for many generations, kangaroo meat wasn’t legalised for human consumption until 1980 in Southern Australia, followed by other states in 1993.

Why do Australians hunt kangaroos?

In the past 20 years, 90 million kangaroos and wallabies have been lawfully killed for commercial purposes. Approximately 3 million adult kangaroos are killed in Australia per year. Kangaroo meat is used both for pet food and human consumption.

Did Aboriginal people eat kangaroos?

After all, Aboriginal Australians have been eating kangaroos for thousands of years. Moreover, the introduction of cattle and sheep for meat has caused irreparable damage to the Australian landscape.

How did Aboriginals hunt for kangaroos?

Aboriginal people had been hunting kangaroos for thousands of years, using various methods including fire or nets. Settlers soon learned from these techniques, sometimes with the help of Aboriginal people – but often in direct competition with them.

Can you eat koalas?

NO! The Koala is listed as vulnerable in the Australian Endangered Species List. It is estimated that there are approximately 100,000 koalas living in the wild and as such you are not allowed to eat them. It is illegal to keep a Koala as a pet anywhere in the world.

Why are kangaroos eaten?

Kangaroo is a lean meat with less than 2\% fat, making it a healthier red meat option. It is also high in protein, essential B vitamins, minerals such as zinc, iron and omega 3 fats and omega 6 fatty acids. Compared to beef, kangaroo contains double the amount of iron and triple that of chicken and pork.

How are kangaroos slaughtered?

When examining animal welfare it is important to look at how an animal is slaughtered. Under law, kangaroos must be killed with a single shot to the head. However, as they are in their native habitat in the wild and not in a contained area, this can be difficult.

How is kangaroo meat served?

The best way to serve kangaroo steaks is medium rare. This will allow the meat to be tender and flavoursome. Any further cooking can lead to drying out. Mince or sausages should be cooked for longer, and thoroughly.

How was kangaroo hunted?

Aboriginal people had been hunting kangaroos for thousands of years, using various methods including fire or nets. The struggle over kangaroos as a resource led to both small and large-scale conflicts between Aboriginal people and settlers – who brought their dogs, horses and guns to the hunt.