Gruelling seven-hour ordeal exposes 'significant danger' in Aussie suburb
There were several factors working against rescuers as they desperately tried to save the kangaroo's life.
A difficult seven-hour rescue of a large kangaroo outside waterfront homes on Sunday has highlighted the "significant danger" the canal environment poses to wildlife, with their steep sides making it nearly impossible for animals to escape.
A trauma team was assembled by Wildlife Rescue Queensland within the hour after a local spotted the roo treading water near Banksia Beach in Moreton Bay, with the volunteers rushing to assist the animal with specialised equipment. Several members of the public assisted the team, with one offering their boat so the team could get as close to the kangaroo as possible.
The animal was visibly distressed and the rescue was "tricky" due to the cold temperatures and high risk of myopathy — a fatal disease that kangaroos can easily succumb to if they experience intense levels of stress.
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Rescuer keeps kangaroo afloat as it clings to boat
One of the rescuers held onto the kangaroo from a boat while the effects of sedation took place, with the kangaroo struggling to stay above the water. Its head and front legs were visible in the man's hands.
After getting the animal out of the cold water, rescuers were concerned about the large scratches on the roo that it had inflicted on itself while it desperately attempted to escape the water. It's unknown how long he was in the water before the team were called, or why it went into the water in the first place.
Kangaroo fortunate to live after suffering hypothermia
The kangaroo had suffered hypothermia from the cold water and the team spent time heating him and offering him food to regain his strength as well as his core body temperature.
After he was given a once-over by a vet, the kangaroo was deemed healthy enough to release back into the wild close to where he was found.
Yahoo News understands Wildlife Rescue Queensland frequently rescues animals from the bay.
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