After an agonizing search that stretched close to a week, a missing kangaroo in southeast Missouri is home again.
According to KFVS12, the kangaroo, Roofus, was recovered when a neighbor saw him and remained with him until owner Dawn McClard arrived to bring him back.
What happened?
On July 31, McClard announced on Facebook that Roofus was safe and sound at home.
In a statement, she thanked everyone who helped with the search after Roofus escaped his enclosure and went missing July 24.
"Roofus is my baby. It's kind of funny because you think of pets as just being a pet, right? But Roofus is something super special to all of us, to my husband, my son, even to our extended family in Colorado and our area neighbors. He's become a big part of our family. So, having him home is truly a relief and a blessing for us," McClard told KFVS12.
Now, she plans to make the most of her time with him.
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Why does it matter?
When pets are lost outdoors, they can become stressed, dehydrated, or injured. And if an exotic pet ends up establishing a population in its new environment, it can wreak ecological and economic havoc, as the Burmese python has done in Florida, for example.
The rescue showed the value of community awareness.
Neighbors who communicate quickly and avoid escalating a tense situation can make the difference between a successful rescue and a failed recovery.
What are people saying?
Facebook users celebrated McClard's reunion with her pet.
"So grateful he's back to you safe and sound. Absolutely made my day hearing this news," one commenter wrote.
"Awesome! And he looks good!" another said.
"I bet he has lots of stories to tell from his walkabout. Glad he made it home safely," a third person remarked.
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