Kinjarling Wildlife Rescue condemns increased ‘animosity’ towards Albany kangaroos after two deliberately hurt

Kinjarling Wildlife Rescue is seeing an increased amount of attacks on kangaroos around the Albany area, with one joey having to be cut out of its mother pouch after being deliberately hit by a vehicle. Another kangaroo was stuck with a noose-like rope around its neck for a week before being tranquilised by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and Attractions, which removed the rope. It breaks the heart of Mary Saunders, a keen lover of animals, who witnessed and reported both incidents and holds concerns about the animosity towards kangaroos. “It’s so distressing to keep finding kangaroos who have been deliberately hurt by people.” Nicole Link from the Kinjarling Wildlife Rescue said they had seen an uptick in reports on marsupial injuries, particularly kangaroos who she said were more visible and more likely to be reported. “It’s been an ongoing thing since August last year when a call for an injured male kangaroo came in,” she said. “He had a broken leg and later had to be euthanised.” The rescue organisation has liaised with the council and developers in Albany to put in place measures to prevent more wildlife injuries. “We’ve had meetings with the council to get signs up to warn people against having dogs off leash and to keep away from the kangaroos,” Ms Link said. “We’ve also had a meeting with developers to get the fences taken down because previously the fences were stopping to roos from accessing bushland. “Roos aren’t able to read eviction notices and just move elsewhere, that’s where they live.” “So they come into conflict with developers, builders, and the public because that’s their home. “There’s a lot of animosity towards kangaroos, especially from farmers that feel like they detract from their business because of fence damage.” Both kangaroos are doing well with the help of local volunteers, despite their traumatic experiences. “Little Rooroo is doing really well, particularly because he was found so early in the morning, we were able to get him warmed up pretty quickly and he hasn’t had any dramas since,” Ms Link said.