Early one morning, a vigilant farmer, Casja, noticed something unusual – a mob of kangaroos gathered near a fence, acting strangely. With her birdwatching binoculars, she discovered a young joey trapped by its feet, hanging upside down in the wire. Alarmed but determined, she called Vets for Compassion and Wildlife Victoria for help.
Fortunately the joey was supported by the ground, greatly reducing the pressure on her legs and exhaustion. The property owner also stated that she was not hanging for long.
Enter Jason, a rescuer from Vets for Compassion, and Mel, a senior rescuer supported by Dr Elaine Ong and Dr Alistair. Together, this compassionate team sprang into action to save the distressed joey, who was exhausted and fighting to free herself.
After careful sedation and assessment, the team was relieved to find only a small puncture wound from the barbed wire. It was a rare stroke of luck; most kangaroos caught in fences don’t escape so lightly.
With the joey stabilised, hydrated, and given vitamins, the team focused on reuniting her with her mum – a crucial step for survival in the wild. Jason used a thermal monocular to locate the mob while Mel ensured the joey was warm and stress-free.
Battling worsening weather and hours of waiting, Mum finally appeared in the distance, cautious yet drawn to her joey. As darkness fell, the moment everyone had hoped for unfolded: the joey, now strong enough to hop, was carefully released. She bounded toward her mum, and the family finally reunited.
As if nature celebrated with them, a stunning rainbow arched across the sky just as the joey found her way back.
The following day, Casja joyfully spotted the joey grazing happily with her mum and dad – heart-warming end to an intense 17-hour rescue effort. This story is a powerful reminder of what humans and wildlife advocates can achieve when they come together.
Huge thanks to Casja, Jason, Mel, and our amazing veterinary team for their tireless work and compassion.
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Image courtesy of Mel.
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