A YOUNG western grey kangaroo was rescued from parkland in central Mandurah this morning and released back into the wild.
The male kangaroo entered a fenced City of Mandurah landscape development near the Mandurah train station yesterday and became distressed at being enclosed.
Work was delayed on the site this morning so it could be subdued with a tranquiliser dart.
The tranquiliser put the kangaroo into a “deep twilight state”, allowing Department of Parks and Wildlife officers Matt Swan and Karen Smith to check it for injuries.
“Animals are good at hiding their injuries and we wanted to make sure it was in good health before it was released,” Mr Smith said.
“We only use tranquilisers in a controlled or closed environment to protect the animal and this was one of those situations.”
The kangaroo was then transferred to Yalgorup National Park by experienced fauna relocator Alison Dixon, who will stay with it for a few hours today to ensure it recovers well.
“We’re not sure how it got to this bit of parkland in the first place but kangaroos don’t run away from the rest of their mob unless they are scared,” Ms Dixon said.
“It may have been chased by dogs or scared by off-road motorbikes.
“It’s great that the City of Mandurah and Department can come together to help this kangaroo.”