It has been a fascinating time for some of our WILVOS carers. A very experienced furless ‘pinkie’ macropod carer has been training some of our rehabilitators in the care of eastern grey kangaroos. Jo has raised these little joeys from a very small stage but they are now furred and ready to move on.
Our new kangaroo carers are doing well, and finding that it is a little more difficult and time-consuming than looking after birds and possums. Nevertheless they are doing an excellent job and will be the competent macropod carers of the future.
Ideally, a joey would go through their twelve or more months of care with the same foster ‘Mum’. Because of the different facilities needed and time constraints, these animals pass through the hands of sometimes three wildlife carers, so it is important that our care practices are consistent and similar. Stress is one of the biggest killers of wildlife, especially with eastern grey kangaroos. We try to minimize the impact of stress from the humidicrib to the release paddock.
The little joeys at the moment are learning to adjust to the noises outside and to lie on the grass in their bags, grazing as they would from their mother’s pouch. The grass or dirt will often tickle their noses, and be followed by a sneeze. It is an entertaining time for carers.
It is hoped that all these little macropods will go through to eventual release in an area, as safe as possible from predators and human impact.