Two kangaroos dead after being shot in the face in horrific attacks in Macedon Ranges

Two kangaroos have been put down after suffering “horrific” gunshot wounds to the face in a sickening act of animal cruelty. And a traumatised wildlife rescuer has told of the moments he found the dying animals. WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT

Hand-reared kangaroo Zac, pictured, had to be euthanised after suffering gunshot wounds to the face.

Two kangaroos are dead after being shot in the face during sickening attacks near Woodend.

The pair were found two weeks apart by Macedon Ranges wildlife rescuers, who were forced to euthanise both animals due to the severity of their injuries.

Macedon Ranges wildlife rescuer Manfred Zabinskas, who put the animals to sleep, said both would have said “suffered horrifically”.

The first kangaroo, a young female, was found cowering in a shed at the start of November.

“I got a call about a kangaroo was hiding in a shed with a terrible injury to its face,” he said.

“It was clear as day that she had been shot with a gun to the side of her face.

“Parts of the side of her face and jaw had were missing.”

Two weeks later, one of the group’s hand-raised roos, Zac, made his way back to the shelter with similar injuries.

“He was such a trusting animal,” he said.

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“He loved interaction with people to the point went back regularly to visit the shelter and sleep at his favourite spot in the sun.”

Zac was discovered lying in his “favourite spot” with gunshot wounds to the face.

The Conservation Regulator’s office confirmed it was investigating the incident.
Regulatory program manager Brady Childs encouraged anyone with information to contact authorities.

“All native wildlife is protected in Victoria,” he said.

“Severe penalties apply to those found guilty of an offence under the Wildlife Act.”

Mr Zabinskas confirmed the incident had also been reported to police.

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