Hello, wildlife enthusiasts! Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to a remarkable young kangaroo who has captured our hearts here at Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary. Meet Jarew, affectionately known as JRoo—a resilient joey who is making remarkable strides in his journey of growth and healing.

It was a beautiful Sunday morning (8 December, 2024),(it may have been Saturday or even Friday, we dont know) and little Jarew, a happy and carefree joey, was joyfully running alongside his Mummy. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm, golden glow over the lush green fields they roamed. Everything seemed perfect for a morning adventure.

With a playful bounce, Mummy effortlessly leapt over a fence, urging Jarew to follow. Jarew, full of excitement, tried to mimic his Mummy's graceful jump, but he didn't quite make it. Instead, he got entangled in the fence, his tiny limbs caught in the wires.

Jarew struggled and called out, feeling a mix of fear and frustration. His Mumma standing watch trying to protect her precious baby. That's when two kind-hearted young men, Jack and Drew, happened to pass by. Seeing the distressed joey, they immediately stopped and gently untangled him from the fence. Their care and compassion were so moving that Jarew's name became a tribute to these lovely rescuers—Jack and Drew.

Overcoming Challenges

This incident caused significant damage to the muscles and tendons in his hip, and the barbs poked deeply into his feet, leaving them sore and injured. Despite these hurdles, Jarew's resilience shines through as he has learned to regain his footing and continue his playful antics. This spirit of determination is truly inspiring and a reminder of the incredible strength within him.

A Happy Hoppy Side Kick

Just yesterday, Jarew achieved an exciting milestone: his very first happy hoppy side kick! This joyous leap was a moment of pride for both Jarew and his Mummy. Watching him hop with such enthusiasm is a testament to his determination and the loving care he receives at the sanctuary.

Pen Adventures with Brothers and Friends

Jarew's days are filled with playful adventures in the pen alongside his brothers, Kane and Kenny. Their bond is undeniable, and they bring out the best in each other as they explore and enjoy their time together. Jakari, another resident of the sanctuary, frequently joins in the fun, and the group has formed a close-knit friendship.

Meeting Jaffa

One of the highlights of Jarew's recent days has been meeting Jaffa, a well-known kangaroo at the sanctuary. Jarew had heard so much about Jaffa and had seen her from afar, but they hadn't had the chance to chat until now. Jaffa, known for her adventurous spirit, promised to show Jarew the wild side of life when he's a bit bigger. The anticipation of future escapades together has filled Jarew with excitement.

It must have felt so good . . . because he fell asleep on my lap

The Magic of Infrared Therapy

Despite the many adventures, Jarew's favorite time of the day remains his cuddles with Mummy during infrared therapy sessions. These moments of warmth and comfort are a cherished routine, providing both physical healing and emotional bonding.

The Journey Continues

As Jarew continues to grow and thrive, we are excited to share his journey with you. His story is a beautiful example of resilience, friendship, and the power of love and care. Stay tuned for more updates on Jarew's adventures and the incredible work being done at Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary.

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we look forward to sharing more heartwarming stories with you.

Updated 25/05/2025 As the day draws closer for Da Boyz to move on to the next stage of their rehabilitation—one step closer to living wild and free—I want to take a moment to reflect on one very special soul: Jarew.

Jarew came into our lives on Sunday, 7 December, after being found by the wonderful Jack and Drew in Kendenup (and yes, that’s where his name came from—Jack + Drew = Jarew! 😄). He arrived at Amaris with no sensation in his left leg or foot, likely due to nerve and muscle damage. Would he recover? We didn’t know. But what we did know was that he deserved time, love, and a chance.

Originally, it wasn’t the plan for him to stay with me… but you know how these things go. 💛 We kept him confined for a few days, and to our surprise, there was a flicker of hope—some slight improvement. We invested in an infrared therapy wrap, and every night, little Jarew would curl up on my lap for half an hour of warmth and healing. Those quiet moments were magic—gentle, still, and filled with trust.

Then one morning, everything changed. His foot was badly swollen. X-rays revealed a smashed bone—how it happened, we’ll never know. He still had no feeling in the foot. A temporary cast was applied while we considered what to do next. Eventually, we opted to pin the foot, and Dr. James performed a delicate surgery, placing four tiny pins to hold it together. Another cast followed.

Jarew struggled to move at first, but three weeks later, the cast came off… only to reveal yet another break—this time just above the original injury. So, the pins came out, and the foot was recast once more. And Jarew? He was delighted. He zoomed around the pen, tail high, eyes bright, with me holding my breath behind him.

A few weeks later, during a routine cast change, the clinic lit up with joy—Jarew had regained feeling in his leg, hip, and toes! After eight weeks, the cast finally came off. Two more weeks in a supportive bandage, and… he was healed. 💚

What carried him through all of this was his sweet, cuddly, laid-back nature. He took car rides, splint changes, and vet visits in his stride—never complaining, always gentle. He's bonded deeply with his brothers, Kane and Kenny, and together they’ve formed a little tribe of resilience, mischief, and love.

And now, with strong legs and a stronger heart, Jarew is ready.

He’s heading off to Karlup Animal Sanctuary, alongside Kane and Kenny, where he’ll continue his journey under the loving and watchful care of Claire. There, he’ll grow wilder, stronger, and, in time, be released into the bush—the place he was always meant to be. A life of freedom, of hopping high and proud, is just around the corner.

People often ask, “How do you do it? How do you give so much time, care, and love—and then let them go?” The answer is simple: It’s not about me. It’s about Jarew. About giving him the life he deserves. Yes, my heart will ache when he leaves. It always does. But it will also swell with pride—because this is what we do. This is why we do it.

Hope high and free soon, sweet boy. You’ve earned your wild.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Theresa and Dr. James at Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital WA for your unwavering commitment to Jarew’s healing. And to Claire at Karlup Animal Sanctuary—thank you for continuing his journey with open arms and a compassionate heart.

The Dangers of Barbed Wire

Jarew's experience highlights the dangers that barbed wire poses to our wildlife. Many animals, like kangaroos, can become entangled in these fences, leading to severe injuries or even death. Barbed wire can cause deep lacerations, damage to muscles and tendons, and other life-threatening injuries. It is crucial to consider alternative fencing options that are safer for wildlife, such as smooth wire or wildlife-friendly designs, and don't forget to install kanga gates so they babies can get through safely. By making these changes, we can help protect our precious wildlife from unnecessary harm.

Meet Jarew (JRoo)