In Memory of Nigel
A Call for Peace with Our Kangaroos
A few days ago, the gentle kangaroo known as Nigel lost his life after being chased by an off‑leash dog and struck by a car while trying to escape. For years, Nigel was a familiar presence in his community — a calm, trusting eastern grey who lived quietly alongside people. His death has left many heartbroken, but it has also shone a light on the daily dangers faced by kangaroos across Australia.
Nigel’s Story
Nigel was not aggressive, nor a threat. He was simply a wild animal trying to survive in a landscape increasingly shaped by human activity. When he was harassed and forced into traffic, he suffered injuries and stress that he could not recover from. His story is not unique — it is repeated countless times on our roads and in our suburbs. But Nigel’s name and face remind us that behind every statistic is a life that mattered.
What Nigel Teaches Us
Nigel’s death highlights urgent issues:
Dog control: Off‑leash dogs in kangaroo habitats put both animals at risk.
Road safety: Kangaroos chased into traffic face almost certain injury or death.
Media responsibility: Wildlife distress should never be treated as entertainment.
Respect for wildlife: Kangaroos are prey animals, not aggressors. They deserve compassion, not ridicule.
A Call for Change
If we want to prevent more stories like Nigel’s, we must act:
Keep dogs leashed near kangaroo habitats.
Support measures like virtual fencing and wildlife crossings to reduce road trauma.
Demand respectful media coverage that treats wildlife with dignity.
Advocate for stronger protections for kangaroos in peri‑urban areas.
Peace with Wildlife
At Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary, we believe peace is not only for people — it is something we can extend to the animals who share our land. Nigel’s life, and his tragic death, remind us that peace means safety, respect, and coexistence.
Let us honour Nigel by choosing to live differently: by protecting, not exploiting; by loving, not mocking; by treasuring kangaroos as the unique and precious beings they are.
Nigel’s story must not be forgotten. May it inspire us to build a future where kangaroos, and all wildlife, can live in peace.
Nigel has been entered into the World Kangaroo Day Photo Competition . You can find his photo HERE