Kangaroos & Wallabies
Kangaroos and wallabies often get hit by cars. If you do hit an animal and you see it move off the road, don’t assume it is ok. Animals hit by cars can sustain broken bones, fractures and internal injuries. If you have hit an animal or seen one hit, when calling us, please make sure you have the following information:
- road name & suburb
- the direction you were travelling – was the animal on the left or right side of the road
- any signs, markings or landmarks to help us identify the location
- can you stay at the location until we arrive? If you can’t wait, are you able to leave an item of clothing or plastic bag tied around a tree or post? (we will return this to you)
Fencehangers
If you do come across a kangaroo or wallaby caught in a fence, please do not cut it free and let it go. Fencehanger injuries need to be treated with bandaging and antibiotics, no matter how minor they seem. Wounds can become infected and the animal dies a slow and painful death. Other fencehanger injuries include broken pelvis, back fractures, facial injuries and dislocated hips & legs.
Beware of poor or misleading advice on fencehangers. Not all fencehangers need to be euthanized. Contact us. An experienced rescuer will come out and make an assessment of the kangaroo and its injuries.
Joey in a Pouch
If you do find a joey in a pouch and are confident in removing it, please remember these points:
- Never pull the joey off from the teat, it damages their mouth.
- If the mother is dead, it is best to cut the teat and leave the joey attached to the teat.
- Keep the joey warm and in a dark & quiet area. Keep away from domestic animals.
- Minimal handling of the joey.
- Do not feed the joey any fluids or food.
- Joeys die very easily from stress. They need to get to an experienced carer immediately.
- Remember it is illegal to keep wildlife unless you are licensed permit holder.
If you are not confident in removing a joey from a pouch, if it is safe, place the mum and joey in your car and one of our rescuers will meet you to provide assistance.
Kangaroo / Wallaby in the Yard
If you have a kangaroo/wallaby in your front or backyard:
- Call us immediately – a rescue team will come out.
- Close your blinds & curtains
- Keep any domestic pets away from the animal
- Do not try and feed the animal
Sometimes really bad advice is provided in these situations e.g. there is nothing we can do, the animal will find its own way home etc. Often when these animals are left hopping around suburban streets, they get hit by cars, attacked by dogs or their nails wear down to the bones because of the continual hopping on roads. Call us we can help.
