The death of two rehabilitated and hand-raised kangaroos shot near Woodend has saddened local wildlife carers.
Both kangaroos were discovered with gunshot wounds to head and face in two incidents occurring within weeks of each other, prompting the Conservation Regulator’s appeal for information last week.
“All native wildlife is protected in Victoria. It is an offence to kill, take, control or harm wildlife…severe penalties apply,” said Brady Child, regulatory program manager.
“The two adult kangaroos were seriously injured, which would have resulted in significant pain and suffering. “They were subsequently euthanised due to the nature of their injuries.”
The first incident occurred in early November and the second reported by wildlife carers last week. Macedon Ranges wildlife rescuer Manfred Zabinskas was saddened to make the discovery.
He said the incident had been particularly upsetting for wildlife carers as both kangaroos had been rehabilitated and released from a Woodend wildlife shelter. Both had returned to seek refuge when their injuries were discovered.
“The young female was raised from joey. Zac was a gentle and beautiful big kangaroo that would often come back to the shelter to visit the carers who knew him well. Carers were very saddened to discover their injuries,” Mr Zabinskas said.
“We put our heart and souls into raising these animals to release them and to have them occasionally stop by after that care is an absolute joy, but for them to return with these injuries is absolutely devastating.”
Mr Zabinskas said similar shooting injuries were unfortunately becoming more common either as the result of illegal activity or incompetent hunters issued state government permits to kill.
Permits to harvest kangaroos for commercial pet food processing have been issued since October under the Victorian Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan 2019.
“Wildlife carers believe that this kind of activity will become even more prevalent with changes introduced following the state government’s pet food trial and we are trying to come to terms with that,” Mr Zabinskas said.
The office of the Conservation Regulator is seeking information from the community on the two incidents that occurred in Woodend.
Those with information are urged to contact DELWP on 136 186 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
