Locals rally to save loved kangaroos from cull at Chirnside Park’ Heritage Golf and Country Club

A much-loved kangaroo is at risk of being killed and turned into pet food, after mass culls were given the green light at this golf course.

A much-loved kangaroo is at risk of being killed, after a popular suburban golf course was authorised to conduct a mass cull on the property.

Protesters lined the grounds of the Heritage Golf and Country Club at Chirnside Park on Tuesday evening, after neighbours were informed that a cull would take place.

The Herald Sun understands the cull, which was approved by relevant authorities, could see kangaroos killed for pet food.

It’s not yet confirmed whether the cull was to take place for financial gain or as a population management measurement.

Big Al with some of his supporters.

Unmarked refrigerated trucks, which appeared to be on scene to transport carcasses, were seen leaving the ground about 6pm on Tuesday night, after police ordered a stop to the cull.

It came after a large group of concerned community members and wildlife rescuers descended on the entrance of the property — and all over the golf course — to stop the cull from going ahead.

Local veterinarian Tash Bassett, who was on scene on animal welfare grounds, said the site was generally a peaceful coexistence between people and roos.

“It is such a lovely space for kangaroos. To allow that brutality is just horrifying,” she said.

One of the kangaroos who frequents the golf course and surrounding homes is an elderly male roo affectionately known to the local community as ‘Big Al’ or ‘Mr Scarface’.

After sustaining an injury to his paw, Big Al was rescued, rehabilitated and eventually released back into the area by Manfred Zabinskas, who was awarded an OAM for his work protecting wildlife.

Mr Zabinskas said he held “very grave fears” that his beloved roo could fall victim to the shooters.

Protesters in Chirnside Park. Picture: Save the Kinley Kangas/ Lilydale Facebook page

“He will be a target because he’s a gentle giant. He’s very familiar with vehicles and people and wouldn’t try to flee. He’d just be a dead duck,” he explained.

“We’re just horrified. Big Al is very much known and loved in the local community. He’s quite a celebrity there. He’s just an old kangaroo enjoying his retirement.”

The picturesque golf course is well-known for its healthy kangaroo population and Mr Zabinskas said they didn’t pose any problems.

“The general consensus is everyone loves the kangaroos. It’s just this incredible idyllic golf course and the golfers enjoy having them around,” he said.

“The vast majority of residents love the kangaroos and don’t want to see them harmed, so the behaviour here has been nothing short of insane.

“To have this place on earth which is actually safe for kangaroos, it’s horrible, I just can’t understand it.”

Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick said he held concerns about animal welfare, if the cull is to go ahead.

“This is an alarming turn of events,” he said.

“It’s entirely brutal and incredibly inhumane. The community is rightly up in arms at the moment.”

Mr Meddick said he was still gathering all details behind the cull and would reach out to responsible Ministers.

Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has been contacted for comment.

The Heritage Golf and Country Club has been contacted for comment.

The shooter engaged for the cull has been contacted for comment.

@96mitchclarke