Kangaroo shot in back with arrow recovering, but attacker still on the loose

A kangaroo rescued after a cruel arrow attack in Greenvale is recovering in leaps and bounds — but Macedon Ranges wildlife officers are pleading for help to identify the thug responsible.

The kangaroo was found suffering with an arrow lodged in his back.

A kangaroo shot in a horror arrow attack Melbourne’s north is almost ready to go home.

The male was one of two discovered by Macedon Ranges wildlife rescuers in Greenvale at the start of the month. He had been shot through the back.

Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network confirmed the matter had been referred to Victoria Police for investigation.

Five Freedoms Animal Rescue’s Manfred Zabinskas said the kangaroo was recovering faster than expected.

“He’s extraordinarily lucky. We rarely get to save animals in these situations,” he said.

“Probably nine out of 10 arrow attacks don’t make it.”

Another female kangaroo shot through the chest had to be euthanised, and her joey was taken to another wildlife sanctuary.

The kangaroo had to be sedated before vets took him into care.

Mr Zabinskas encouraged anyone who knew anything about the incident to contact local police.

“We’ve been speaking to a few people and there have been other sightings (of kangaroos with arrows),” Mr Zabinskas said.

“If you see anyone acting suspiciously, please contact police.”

“We think he’s healing well, but he’s a bit grumpy about being with us,” he said.

“If he continues down the path he’s on with getting better, we’re hoping that we can release him. Fingers crossed, he’s going home on Monday.”

Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network spokeswoman Mel Fraser said arrow attacks weren’t “uncommon” but cruelty to Kangaroos seemed to be on the rise.

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“If this is a dog that was shot with an arrow, there would be massive outrage,” she said.

“People perceive these animals to be in plague proportions. If we classify something as a pest, (it’s as if) it doesn’t matter anymore.”

The wildlife network confirmed the matter had been referred to Victoria Police for investigation.

“It’s sickening and it makes us incredibly sad. These are unnecessary, deliberate acts of cruelty,” Ms Fraser said in the aftermath of the attack.

“I’ve been involved in arrow cases before. Our team isn’t new to it, but it never gets easier.”

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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