In the remote bushland north of Mongarlowe, Australia, the landscape is marked by the remnants of abandoned mineshafts from a bygone era of mining activity. Chris, an avid gold prospecting hobbyist, was exploring the area with his metal detector when he peered into one of these old mineshafts and made eye contact with a distressed animal.
At the bottom of the sandy shaft, a kangaroo was trapped. Chris’s heart went out to the stranded creature, prompting him to reach out to the Native Animal Rescue Group (NARG) for assistance. Soon, NARG president Bill Waterhouse and Steve Garlick from Possumwood Australian Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, accompanied by a team of volunteer rescuers, were en route to the site.
As they surveyed the situation, Waterhouse’s initial assessment was cautiously optimistic. “My first reaction was one of relief to see that the ladder was long enough to reach down and that the kangaroo appeared to be in good condition,” he recounted to The Dodo. “He wasn’t thrashing about in a panic, which sometimes happens. I felt fairly hopeful that we could pull off a successful rescue.”
With steady hands, Waterhouse descended the ladder and gently draped a blanket over the kangaroo’s head. The calming effect of the covering soothed the ‘roo, allowing Waterhouse to administer a safe sedative. Once the animal was fully relaxed, Waterhouse carefully cradled the kangaroo to his chest and ascended the ladder, ensuring its safe return to the surface.
Once back on solid ground, the kangaroo underwent a thorough health assessment. To the relief of the animal experts, the ‘roo showed no signs of distress from its ordeal in the mineshaft. With a clean bill of health, it was deemed fit for release back into its natural habitat.
Waterhouse expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome. “This was a fantastic result, as it spared us the need to take him into our care,” he remarked. “It’s victories like these that fuel our dedication to this volunteer work.”
Before long, the thankful kangaroo was bounding away, rejoining its family in the wilderness.
“Seeing him back on his feet, unscathed by his ordeal, was truly heartening!” Waterhouse exclaimed. “He’s one fortunate ‘roo, indeed.”