By DANIELLE GALVIN
A KANGAROO shot in the neck with an arrow at the Cardinia Reservoir is fighting fit after surgery and lots of love and care.
Cardinia police are investigating the incident and are appealing for anyone with information over the shooting.
Police believe a witness spotted the injured kangaroo on 27 November and alerted Wildlife Victoria.
Last week, a team of rescuers found the kangaroo on Tuesday evening and managed to sedate it and take it to Healesville Sanctuary for care.
The kangaroo was in a critical condition and is yet to be released to the wild.
Healesville Sanctuary director Glen Holland said the kangaroo had a long road ahead but he was doing well.
He said there was a concern that the kangaroo might not make it through the night when it was first brought in.
“The surgery was quite invasive but the next day he was up and bouncing around, he’s very feisty which is often a good sign,” Mr Holland said.
“He was released to wildlife carers later that day and he has a lot of rehabilitation and rest ahead of him before he can be released.”
Mr Holland said it was very distressing for staff and there were concerns about the kangaroo’s mobility.
“We just can’t really understand it all, how someone could do that,” he said.
“The arrow had actually smashed a couple of his vertebrae and pierced through the back of his neck, but thankfully he is a tough little bunny.
“It is quite rare for us to see such an act of cruelty.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Cardinia police on 5945 2500.
