16 Nov Rising Waters
On the 6th October 2022 with the forecast of more flooding and rain predicted to start within hours, we had an unusual call. Workers on their morning safety checks had found a large adult male eastern grey kangaroo trapped in a dam. Not your usual dam, this was a waste water dam, plastic lined and designed to keep contaminated waste water from leaving the worksite and polluting the environment. This was something a human would have trouble getting out of without assistance. Luckily the dam had been drained in preparation for the coming rain, so the very cold and exhausted kangaroo was at least able to stand. Unluckily the dam was already starting to fill up again and this would happen quickly once the rain started. We needed to get moving.
The caller described the scene but it wasn’t until he sent a photo that it was clear this was going to be a big job. It was a huge team effort from our neighbouring group, Hunter Wildlife Rescue, The SES, to keep us all safe and the RSPCA who are always there to help us sedate large animals. Once everyone arrived and the rescuers put on life vests and harnesses, it didn’t take long to put the plan into action. The trickiest part was waiting for the sedation to kick in enough so it was safe to approach, but getting to the kangaroo in time before it drowned. Timing was perfect! The kangaroo was tied into a sling and pulled out of the smelly water. A health check gave him the all clear and he actually looked as though he might have been enjoying the ride as 6 adults carried him through waist high grass to the right side of the safety fence that he must have jumped over to get there.
Last seen our large friend had woken from his nap and was happily munching on some grass, like nothing had ever happened. Lets hope he stays on the right side of the fence this time.