Kangaroo Shot With Arrow While Carrying Joey; Police Investigate

A distressing incident has emerged in New South Wales, Australia, where a kangaroo, visibly carrying a joey in its pouch, was discovered with an arrow piercing its back. The animal was spotted by a member of the public during a walk at Lake Wallace, near Lithgow, on Saturday, July 4.

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We're all concerned that she isn't going to be okay and that she's out there suffering and we can't find her.

Wildlife volunteers from WIRES responded to the call, with macropod coordinator Julie Eggenhuizen leading a team of six. They spent hours attempting to rescue the injured marsupial. Eggenhuizen expressed deep concern for the animal's welfare, stating, "We're all concerned that she isn't going to be okay and that she's out there suffering and we can't find her." The team faced significant challenges in capturing the distressed animal.

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They all bolted into the forest, and there was no way we could get close to her again.

Their efforts were further hampered when a group of dirt bike riders entered the reserve, spooking the mob of kangaroos. "They all bolted into the forest, and there was no way we could get close to her again," Eggenhuizen recounted, calling the situation "a real shame." She observed through binoculars that the arrow appeared to have exited the kangaroo's back, leaving a wound that could become infected and cause prolonged suffering.

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She would still be suffering; she's still got a wound. If you've had an arrow go through your skin, it's going to take time to heal.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, members of the Wallerawang community have organized search parties, conducting walks in the area in hopes of locating the injured kangaroo. The community's efforts highlight a strong desire to find the animal and ensure it receives the necessary care, though the uncertainty of its condition weighs heavily on the rescuers.

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These sorts of injuries that we see are just people having a sport.