kangaskhan
Generation I · #0115 — Parent Pokémon
Kangaskhan is a Normal-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I, classified as the Parent Pokémon due to its defining characteristic: a joey perpetually carried within its abdominal pouch. As National Pokédex entry #115, Kangaskhan stands as one of the most iconic representations of maternal devotion in the Pokémon world. With a base stat total of 490, Kangaskhan boasts impressive HP of 105 and respectable physical stats, making it a formidable presence in battle. The species is exclusively female, with a 100% female gender ratio, reinforcing its thematic identity as a protective mother. Kangaskhan's abilities—Early Bird, Scrappy, and its hidden ability Inner Focus—provide flexible options for different battle strategies, though it gained further prominence following its acquisition of Mega Evolution in Generation VI.
Base Stats
Height
2.2m
Weight
80.0kg
Category
Parent Pokémon
Gender
100% Female
Color
brown
Shape
upright
Habitat
grassland
Abilities
Makes sleep pass twice as quickly.
Lets the Pokémon's normal and fighting moves hit ghost Pokémon.
Prevents flinching.
Kangaskhan Biology & Physical Characteristics
Kangaskhan is a large, bipedal marsupial Pokémon standing 2.2 meters tall and weighing 80 kilograms, with a body structure that evokes a kangaroo's form. Its brown hide features several raised patches, contrasting against a cream-colored belly and distinctive large ears. The Pokémon's head is topped with a thick black plate, while epaulette-like growths extend over its shoulders and a row of spikes travels down its spine. Three clawed digits grace each hand and foot, complemented by a thick, muscular tail used for balance and support. Most remarkably, Kangaskhan's defining feature is the pouch across its abdomen, which houses a baby Kangaskhan noticeably different in appearance from its parent. The infant displays a light purple coloration and smooth skin texture, creating a striking visual distinction that emphasizes the parent-child relationship central to the species' identity.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Kangaskhan Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Kangaskhan exists as an exclusively female species, with a gender ratio of 0% male and 100% female, making it one of the Pokémon world's most distinctive gender-based species. This exclusive femininity serves both biological and thematic purposes, as the presence of a joey in Kangaskhan's pouch necessitates the species' reproductive capability. Kangaskhan belongs to the Monster Egg Group and requires twenty cycles (approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps) to hatch from an egg. The species has a base friendship value of 70, indicating receptiveness to trainer bonding, and exhibits a Medium-Fast growth rate. When breeding Kangaskhan with compatible males from the Monster Egg Group, trainers receive eggs that hatch into Kangaskhan, perpetuating the species' exclusively female nature. The consistent female-only composition, combined with Kangaskhan's appearance as both mother and nursing infant, creates a unique biological identity within the Pokédex that celebrates maternal reproduction and caregiving as core aspects of the species' existence.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
gold silver
tm01
crystal
tm01
red blue
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
blue japan
tm01
red green japan
tm01
sword shield
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
sword shield
tm04
sword shield
tm05
red blue
tm05
ruby sapphire
tm05
emerald
tm05
gold silver
tm05
crystal
+676 more TMs/HMs
Kangaskhan Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Kangaskhan does not evolve from any predecessor species nor does it evolve into any subsequent form through standard means, remaining static throughout its evolutionary line. However, Kangaskhan's gameplay significance received substantial expansion through its Mega Evolution into Mega Kangaskhan, introduced in Generation VI. When holding the Kangaskhanite, Kangaskhan can Mega Evolve, gaining the exclusive ability Parental Bond—a defining characteristic that fundamentally alters its battle mechanics. Mega Kangaskhan's weight increases to 100 kilograms while maintaining its 2.2-meter height, and its base stat total jumps dramatically from 490 to 590. The Mega Evolution provides substantial boosts across multiple stats: Attack increases from 95 to 125, Defense from 80 to 100, Special Attack from 40 to 60, Special Defense from 80 to 100, and Speed from 90 to 100. The Parental Bond ability causes each move Kangaskhan uses to strike twice, with the second strike dealing 50% damage, effectively doubling damage output while maintaining the thematic connection between mother and child by having both variants attack simultaneously.
Where to Find
kanto safari zone
kanto
+11 more
rock tunnel
kanto
+13 more
johto safari zone
johto
+5 more
unova route 15
unova
+1 more
glittering cave
kalos
wela volcano park
alola
+5 more
Kangaskhan Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Kangaskhan's behavior is fundamentally defined by its fierce maternal instinct, a characteristic emphasized throughout multiple Pokédex entries across generations. The species demonstrates extraordinary protective devotion toward its offspring, willing to brave death itself to safeguard its young. According to Pokédex data, the infant remains within its mother's protective pouch until approximately three years of age, during which the adult keeps constant vigilance. Remarkably, Kangaskhan sleeps standing upright to avoid crushing its vulnerable offspring, and will never surrender in battle regardless of injury severity if its baby is threatened. The species demonstrates conditional boldness—the young only ventures out to play when deemed safe—and Kangaskhan is found in natural habitats where it can provide adequate protection and care. During gameplay encounters, trainers are explicitly warned never to disturb a young Kangaskhan playing independently, as the vigilant parent will inevitably be nearby and will become violently enraged at any perceived threat to its child.
Pokedex Entries
The infant rarely ventures out of its mother's protective pouch until it is 3 years old.
Raises its young in its belly pouch. Won't run from any fight to keep its young protected.
If it is safe, the young gets out of the belly pouch to play. The adult keeps a close eye on the youngster.
To protect its young, it will never give up during battle, no matter how badly wounded it is.
To avoid crushing the baby it carries in its pouch, it always sleeps standing up.
If you come across a young KANGASKHAN playing by itself, you must never disturb it or attempt to catch it. The baby POKéMON’s parent is sure to be in the area, and it will become violently enraged at you.
If you come across a young KANGASKHAN playing by itself, never try to catch it. The baby’s parent is sure to be in the area, and it will become violently enraged.
The female raises its offspring in a pouch on its belly. It is skilled at attacking using COMET PUNCH.
The infant rarely ventures out of its mother’s protective pouch until it is three years old.
It raises its offspring in its belly pouch. It lets the baby out to play only when it feels safe.
If it is safe, the young gets out of the belly pouch to play. The adult keeps a close eye on the youngster.
To protect its young, it will never give up during battle, no matter how badly wounded it is.
It raises its offspring in its belly pouch. It lets the baby out to play only when it feels safe.
It raises its offspring in its belly pouch. It lets the baby out to play only when it feels safe.
It raises its offspring in its belly pouch. It lets the baby out to play only when it feels safe.
If it is safe, the young gets out of the belly pouch to play. The adult keeps a close eye on the youngster.
If you come across a young Kangaskhan playing by itself, you must never disturb it or attempt to catch it. The baby Pokémon’s parent is sure to be in the area, and it will become violently enraged at you.
If you come across a young Kangaskhan playing by itself, you must never disturb it or attempt to catch it. The baby Pokémon’s parent is sure to be in the area, and it will become violently enraged at you.
Kangaskhan’s maternal love is so deep that it will brave death to protect its offspring.
Kangaskhan protects its child by keeping it in its pouch. It has zero forgiveness for those who harm its child and will beat them down.
The child in its pouch leaves home after roughly three years. That is the only time the mother is heard to cry wildly.
You shouldn’t get close to the child when it’s playing outside its mother’s pouch. Its mother is always nearby watching over it.
Raises its young in its belly pouch. Won’t run from any fight to keep its young protected.
Although it’s carrying its baby in a pouch on its belly, Kangaskhan is swift on its feet. It intimidates its opponents with quick jabs.
There are records of a lost human child being raised by a childless Kangaskhan.
Kangaskhan Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Kangaskhan's name derives from a linguistic blend of 'Kangaroo'—reflecting its bipedal marsupial form and pouch—and 'Khan,' suggesting authority and protective dominion. The Japanese name, Garura (ガルーラ), carries similar kangaroo-inspired etymology. Game Freak's design philosophy deliberately emphasized the maternal aspect, with the baby Kangaskhan's contrasting purple coloration and smooth features creating visual distinction that makes the parent-child dynamic immediately apparent. The pouch placement across the abdomen directly references real-world marsupial anatomy, while the aggressive design elements—spikes, claws, and the imposing black plate adorning its head—communicate both physical capability and readiness for combat. The gender-exclusive female design reinforces the 'Parent Pokémon' classification, with the species' entire biological and behavioral framework constructed around representing an ideal of protective motherhood. This thoughtful design integration makes Kangaskhan instantly recognizable and thematically cohesive across its various media appearances.
Learnable Moves
Kangaskhan can learn 72 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| comet punch | normal | Physical | 18 | 85 | 15 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| disable | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| dizzy punch | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dynamic punch | fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| fire punch | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| fissure | ground | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| foresight | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury cutter | bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice punch | ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| outrage | dragon | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| pound | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| seismic toss | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| stomp | normal | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| submission | fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 20 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| tail whip | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder punch | electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| zap cannon | electric | Special | 120 | 50 | 5 |
Kangaskhan Competitive Battle Guide
Kangaskhan occupies a distinctive competitive niche centered around Mega Evolution, transforming from a moderately viable physical attacker into a formidable threat through Mega Kangaskhan's Parental Bond ability. Base form Kangaskhan's 490 stat total provides respectable physical bulk with 105 HP and balanced defenses, making it serviceable as a physical attacker with 95 Attack and 90 Speed. However, Mega Kangaskhan's stat redistribution dramatically increases its viability, boosting Attack to 125 and Speed to 100 while maintaining defensive solidity. The Parental Bond ability's dual-strike mechanic essentially doubles damage output, making even modest base Attack values translate into significant threat levels. Kangaskhan's movepool includes access to powerful physical attacks like Close Combat, Earthquake, Double-Edge, and Outrage, allowing comprehensive coverage against diverse threats. Its ability to function as both a physical sweeper and bulky attacker provides strategic flexibility, though the reliance on Mega Evolution in competitive formats where it's permitted limits alternative item choices. The dual-strike mechanic applies to priority moves like Sucker Punch and Fake Out, creating additional tactical advantages and enabling consistent chip damage against defensive walls.
Commonly Asked Questions About Kangaskhan
What type is Kangaskhan?
Kangaskhan is a normal type Pokemon.
What does Kangaskhan evolve from?
Kangaskhan does not evolve.
What are Kangaskhan's weaknesses?
Kangaskhan is weak to fighting type moves.
Where can I find Kangaskhan?
Kangaskhan can be found in kanto safari zone (kanto), rock tunnel (kanto) and johto safari zone (johto) and 3 other locations.
Kangaskhan Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Kangaskhan has maintained significant cultural presence throughout Pokémon media since its Generation I introduction, appearing in numerous animated episodes and establishing itself as a recognizable symbol of maternal protection. The species features prominently in the main anime series, with several notable trainer encounters showcasing its protective instincts and combat prowess. In competitive Pokémon communities, Kangaskhan became synonymous with Mega Evolution competitive viability following its introduction of Parental Bond, earning nickname recognition and strategic respect among professional players. The design's appealing maternal theme resonates with audiences across demographics, appearing in various merchandise, trading card game releases, and crossover properties including Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where it maintains representation as a classic Generation I Pokémon. The iconic pouch design has become instantly recognizable in popular culture, frequently referenced and parodied in Pokémon fan communities. Kangaskhan's exclusive female status creates additional thematic weight in discussions of gender representation in Pokémon, establishing it as a specifically feminine icon within the franchise.
Where to Find Kangaskhan in Every Pokémon Game
Kangaskhan's availability varies significantly across Pokémon games and regions, though it maintains consistent accessibility throughout most mainline titles. In original Generation I games (Red, Blue, Yellow), Kangaskhan appears in the Kanto region and can be captured with a base capture rate of 45. Subsequent generations have placed Kangaskhan in various regional Pokédex positions: #205 in Johto (Gold/Silver/Crystal), returning to #115 in Hoenn remakes (FireRed/LeafGreen), #210 in Johto remakes (HeartGold/SoulSilver), #62 in Coastal Kalos (X/Y), and #165-199 in Alola depending on version and update (Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon). Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee include Kangaskhan as entry #115, while Sword and Shield's Isle of Armor DLC features it as #172. Modern Pokémon Scarlet and Violet place Kangaskhan in their respective Pokédex at various positions. The species' consistent appearance across generations reflects its status as an iconic Generation I Pokémon, ensuring trainers can reliably obtain this maternal icon regardless of preferred game entry point. Additionally, Kangaskhan regularly appears in Pokémon GO and other spin-off titles, maintaining broad accessibility across the franchise's diverse gaming ecosystem.