Mob of kangaroos stranded in Morgan floodwaters – but they can escape, says government

Rescuers say there is still time to save a group of kangaroos trapped by the rising River Murray – but the government won’t let them do it.

A family of kangaroos is believed to be stranded in a private field near Morgan after becoming surrounded by rising floodwaters – but they can escape, according to government experts.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff has been working with the property owner after being alerted to the issue, a Department of Environment and Water spokesman confirmed on Friday

“An inspection occurred on Thursday in which it was determined that kangaroos could still get away from the floodwaters on the property,” the Department said.

“This was determined after a physical inspection of the site, discussion with the property owner and analysis of landscape and flooding maps which have identified a levy and other elevated areas from which the kangaroos could use to get out from the floodwaters.

“NPWS staff will continue to monitor the situation.”

A mob of kangaroos are stranded near Morgan amid rising floodwaters in the region. Pictured is a kangaroo in floodwaters in Ipswich earlier this year. Picture: John Gass

But Derek Knox, a spokesman for the Animal Rescue Cooperative (ARC), said it was only a matter of time before the kangaroos, including a joey, drowned.

“We have been told multiple times that the area has a levy to escape but they haven’t escaped,” Mr Knox said.

The ARC spokesman said the kangaroo’s nature was not one to search for a way to escape danger until it was too late. He said the volunteers were the animals’ only hope, but red tape stood in the way.

“They will stay there and they will drown and we have volunteers willing to help. South Australia is the only state that requires a permit to rescue animals,” he said.

ARC raised the alarm on October 29 saying the mob, including a joey, had been stuck for more than 10 days.

The social media post went on to say rescue efforts were hindered by “rules and regulations” and “it also appears the only “official” offer so far is to shoot them dead if they get in a bad way.”

Rescuers attempting to save kangaroos surrounded by rising floodwaters. Picture: Kerry Machado.

Kerry Machado has been an emergency and critical care veterinary nurse for 20 years and was one of the many people who contacted the Department regarding approval to save the stranded kangaroos.

“Two weeks ago the total land size was six football fields and now it has reduced to three football fields,” she said.

“We’re just trying to be proactive and get permission from National Parks and Wildlife to tranquillise them and move them to a safer part of the property.”

Local Anne Pugsley commented on the post saying the field is privately owned and she received authority to access the property.

It is believed she was able to provide food and other support to the animals.

A second statement from the ARC said experienced darters and rescuers were prepared to act, but had not been granted permission from the state government.

It comes as the state government revealed a floodwater surge down the River Murray is set to be worse than initially predicted, with massive flows to last until January.

On Thursday, Deputy Premier Susan Close said the projected water flow remained at 135GL per day, but there was a “moderate possibility” of 150GL/day and “low probability” of 160GL/day if rainfall occurred close to the SA border – levels not seen in almost 50 years.

Dr Close said the duration of the event had also been extended and was expected to last until January.

Flows above 100GL per day are now predicted throughout December and January after flooding events in the eastern states, prompting a warning for residents to remain vigilant and be prepared.