Mernda’s white kangaroo survives rumours of its death

A RENOWNED white kangaroo caused a social media storm after a man claimed he found her dead in Mernda — but wildlife chiefs had already taken action to protect her from “bogan trophy hunters”.

”Whitey” the albino kangaroo is not dead, according to wildlife chiefs. Picture: Carmelo Bazzano

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RUMOURS of the death of Mernda’s beloved albino kangaroo “Whitey” have been greatly exaggerated, it appears.

Social media lit up yesterday after a Mernda resident claimed he found Whitey dead in a paddock.

But Wildlife Victoria chief executive Karen Masson said it moved Whitey several months ago for protection.

“We moved her far away to protect her from bogan trophy hunters,” Ms Masson said.

“While it’s possible a lone male may traverse the distance it’s extremely rare for a female with joeys to travel that far so it’s highly unlikely the kangaroo who died is Whitey.”

The resident who posted the news about Whitey has since expressed doubt the kangaroo he found was her after being contacted by Leader News.

Meanwhile, the controversial case between the Australian Society for Kangaroos and the Victorian Government over a planned cull of Epping kangaroos had its first hearing in the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

As part of the proceedings, ASK, with the assistance of experienced wildlife veterinarian Dr Alistair Brown, will challenge the government’s claim that relocation is not viable.

The group hopes to prove the relocation of these kangaroos and their young is viable and humane.