For one kangaroo, a parking garage became a maze with no clear way out. The frightened animal bounded through the concrete structure as rescuers worked to bring the chaotic and potentially dangerous situation under control without worsening his panic.
Here's what to know
A YouTube video shared by The Dodo (@TheDodo) followed rescuers as they responded to a kangaroo that got stuck in a parking garage and couldn't find its way back out.
In the footage, the animal darts through the structure while people try to help. As the narrator says, "You can tell he's so stressed," while he is "running around, desperately looking for an escape."
A wildlife rescuer concluded that "the safest option was to sedate him from a distance." That still required patience. Whenever she appeared to have a good chance, the kangaroo bolted again, making the effort feel like "the strangest game of hide-and-seek ever."
After the sedative kicked in, she got him out safely. The video ends with the kangaroo taking "one last look at his rescuers" before hopping away.
More background
Bright lights, hard surfaces, noise, and limited exits can all disorient an animal that relies on open space and instinctive escape routes.
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A panicked large animal can unintentionally injure itself, rescuers, or bystanders. In many cases, stress and disorientation — not aggression — are the reason for any injuries.
What's being done?
When necessary, trained professionals should handle sedation and ensure safe transport. Trying to corner or capture a wild animal without proper training can make the situation far more dangerous for everyone involved.
The wildlife rescuer adapted her tactics to the kangaroo's behavior. She did not intensify the pursuit; instead, she waited patiently for a safe opportunity to act. Getting close to a frightened kangaroo was "no easy feat."
Communities can also reduce these incidents through concerted efforts, from wildlife-conscious planning to making it easier for responders to access garages, roadways, and other enclosed spaces.
The rescue ended after the rescuer "finally … got the shot," which allowed her to "get him out of there and put this very unusual parking garage chase to an end."
Where can I learn more?
The incidents below show how quickly things can turn dangerous and disorienting when wild animals end up in human spaces.
• On Long Island's South Shore, rescuers tranquilized a loose kangaroo after days on the run.
• In Fort Myers, a coyote ended up stranded on a second-story hotel balcony.
• In a suburban neighborhood, authorities captured a roaming mountain lion after shelter-in-place warnings.
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