Kangaroo. 18th century engraving of a kangaroo, described as a 'new species found on the coast of New South Wales.' The first European to see a kangaroo was James Cook in 1770. It was probably an Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus). The word 'kangaroo' refers to the grey kangaroo in the Guugu Yimithirr language spoken by the aboriginal inhabitants of the region. This engraving first appeared in the Gentleman's Magazine in 1773.