For most people, the only time they'll find themselves in close quarters with a kangaroo is at the zoo. That's not true, however, for Australians. The large marsupials are endemic to Australia and can be found there in large numbers; the Australian government estimates that there are upwards of 34 million 'roos in the country! Because of the large population, it's extremely likely to come across a kangaroo, particularly when driving down the road.
The unofficial animal of Australia is normally shy and retiring by nature, but they do have a tendency to act erratically around vehicles. They are easily startled by engine noises and dazzled by headlights, which can often cause them to leap in front of cars. A crash between a vehicle and a kangaroo can be devastating; the impact can kill the animal and total the car.
Because of this, signs like the one below can commonly be found alongside roadways in Australia.
Sadly, these kangaroo crossing signs can't prevent all collisions between marsupials and cars, and some end with a lifeless kangaroo on the side of the road.
Even if mama kangaroo can't be saved, it's crucial to check her pouch! There just might be a joey inside.
That's why, when Chloe Enright saw a dead kangaroo on the side of the road, she knew she needed to pull over and quickly check the pouch.
Sure enough, there was a small joey still alive inside his mother's pouch.
Enright extracted the baby and went straight to the nearest veterinarian's office.
Once she got there, the vet was able to check the joey's condition and give Enright milk specially formulated for baby kangaroos.
Next, she stopped by FAWNA, a non-profit organization that provides care and rehabilitation for wild animals and works to educate the public at large about the wildlife of the region.
The volunteers at FAWNA supplied Enright with a heated pad and other things that the baby joey needs to survive.
To stay healthy, the joey must stay warm at all times and will require lots of care.
Enright must also feed her four times a day until she weans (at around 18 months).
Since taking her in, the family have named the joey Angel because Enright's daughter believes angels must have been watching over her. Enright explained that, "She's only a few months old. We believe her [mother] was slowly dying for the last few days after being hit [with a car] and not checked. Her mum died the morning I found her." Now, Enright is happy to share Angel's sad story in the hopes that all motorists will stop and check if they see a kangaroo on the side of the road.
Be sure to SHARE this sweet baby kangaroo's story with your friends and family!