Kangaroos shot with arrows in ‘sickening’ Greenvale attacks

Two kangaroos have been shot with arrows in separate attacks in Melbourne’s north, with one euthanised due to its injuries. A wildlife carer has told of the moments she found the animals.

A male kangaroo that was shot is recovering at a wildlife shelter. Picture: Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network

One kangaroo is dead and another has been injured after a series of disturbing arrow attacks near Greenvale.

Macedon Ranges wildlife rescuers were shocked after finding the two animals in the same place but at separate times on the weekend.

Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network spokeswoman Mel Fraser said they were called after reports of a kangaroo shot by an arrow, but didn’t want to disclose the location for fear of copycats.

She said they found a large female kangaroo, with joey, with an arrow through its torso on Saturday afternoon.

They couldn’t catch the roo at the time, and went back yesterday morning to look again.

They then found a male kangaroo with an arrow protruding from its back.

That roo was sedated and rushed to Melbourne Zoo.

“There was no major damage sustained and he’s now resting at a wildlife shelter in Trentham East,” Ms Fraser said.

She said rescuers returned again this morning and found the injured female, which was sedated and taken to a vet.

But Ms Fraser said the roo had to be put down, and its joey put into the care of a wildlife shelter.

“It’s sickening and it makes us incredibly sad. These are unnecessary, deliberate acts of cruelty,” she said.

Two kangaroos that had been shot were found over the weekend. Picture: Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network

Wildlife rescuers sedate the male kangaroo before taking it to Melbourne Zoo for treatment. Picture: Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network

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

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Rescuers Sue Anderson, Manfred Zabinskas and Karl Dawson worked with Ms Fraser to rescue the kangaroos.

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

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