Mission to rescue kangaroo caught in plastic bin lid: 'Fortunate'
Rubbish is having a sad impact on much of Australia's wildlife.
Aussies have a habit of mocking native animals when they fall foul of our own disgusting habitats. Look no further than the fate of the poor white ibis — a bird shamed for being displaced and forced to rummage through bins for survival.
Luckily, after a kangaroo was photographed hopping around a Victorian country town with a kitchen tidy bin lid caught around his head, rather than laugh about its situation, a dedicated team of wildlife rescuers set out to help it.
Pam Turner from Wildwood Wildlife Shelter suspects the unfortunate marsupial became trapped after entering a campground and poking its head through a white plastic bin flap in search of food.
Rescuers who work alongside Pam tracked the animal around Lake Bellfield in Halls Gap until it became dark. They then picked up the search early the following morning and managed to dart the animal with a tranquilliser and remove the lid. “He was one of the fortunate ones, it was a good outcome,” Pam said.
Human rubbish poses risk to Aussie wildlife
Sadly, it’s not the first time rescuers have been called to help a kangaroo with a bin lid trapped around its head. On other occasions, they’ve used a pole to simply pry off the lid.
But it’s not just bin lids that pose a risk to wildlife. In May, video of a man removing a beer can from the head of a red-bellied black snake went viral.
Loops of plastic are highly dangerous to Australia’s wildlife as they can get caught around the neck and, without hands, animals struggle to get free. The rings under plastic lids are notoriously dangerous, as are the straps on PPE masks which can entangle birds. It's generally suggested they be cut before being disposed of.
Fishing line is also a major threat to wildlife. Surprisingly human hair can also have devastating impacts on both native and introduced pigeons.
Shocked wallaby clings to mum's dead body on side of the road
Culturally important ancient forest set to be destroyed by developers at Lee Point
If you spot wildlife in danger you can call your local wildlife shelter for help. If you’re in the Grampians region of Victoria, you can contact Wildwood Wildlife Shelter here.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
