State Government to consider relocation of stranded kangaroo mob in Mernda

THE State Government is looking at options to save a mob of stranded kangaroos, with relocation a strong possibility.

A mob of roos stranded in Mernda could be relocated to Plenty Gorge. Picture: Ellen Smith

THE State Government will consider “darting” and moving a large mob of kangaroos stranded in a Mernda paddock back to the Plenty Gorge.

Representatives from Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) have met with wildlife volunteer Krysti Severi to discuss how to move the roos.

Ms Severi said the option of herding the roos through construction gates was also brought up but her group felt darting or sedating the mob was the preferred option.

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“It can be very stressful for a mob to be herded because they could get separated from each other,” Ms Severi said.

“With the darting option, we can move them together and monitor their condition to make sure that they are healthy.”

Krysti Severi is monitoring the roos’ wellbeing. Picture: Ellen Smith

Ms Severi said DELWP had requested her group prepare a costing on the darting option.

Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said she “immediately” directed her department to work with Parks Victoria and the LXRA to help the Mernda mob return to the gorge.

“My department is doing everything it can to help return these kangaroos safely and as soon as possible,” she said.

A mob of 40-60 kangaroos need to be moved quickly before they die. Picture: Ellen Smith

A second mob of roos landlocked in Doreen remains in limbo.

However, an online petition calling for them, and the Mernda mob, to be moved to the gorge has received almost 10,000 signatures in a week.

The change.org petition was launched by ecologist Shai Agar, who is also project manager for The Agile Wallaby Project in Cairns.

She set her sights on saving the mobs after the Leader reported the roos had become stranded due to construction work.

@paulshapiro1117