A Call for Peace with Our Kangaroos

Nigel was never just “a kangaroo.” He was a gentle, familiar presence in his local park — a living reminder of the quiet beauty of Australia’s wildlife. His story has carried us through shock, anger, hope, and now grief. Today, we remember him not only for who he was, but for what he has come to represent.

How Nigel Became Known

Nigel first came to public attention when a video circulated of him being harassed by an aggressive off‑leash dog. The footage was broadcast as if it were a light‑hearted, “very Australian” moment. People laughed. But those who know kangaroos — carers, rescuers, and wildlife lovers — saw something very different: a prey animal under extreme stress, defending himself against a threat he should never have faced.

Fear, Injury, and Disappearance

In the chaos of that encounter, Nigel fled. He was clipped by a car while trying to escape, and then he disappeared. Carers feared the worst. Sue Johnston of Sue’s Roos, who had known Nigel for years, worried he may have succumbed to capture myopathy — a stress‑induced condition that can be fatal for kangaroos even without visible injuries. For days, there was silence.

A Flicker of Hope

Then, against all odds, Nigel returned. He was seen once more in his favourite park, alongside his companion Marcus. Marcus, ever calm and confident, stood his ground as usual, while Nigel seemed restless — a little changed, but alive. Photos confirmed it was him. For a brief moment, there was relief and joy. We dared to hope that he might recover.

The Final Chapter

But Nigel’s injuries were deeper than they first appeared. Something — likely another dog — frightened him from the park again. In his panic, he fled into the streets. A veterinary assessment revealed the truth:

His tail injury was consistent with a vehicle strike, not a dog bite.
His toenails had been ripped away, likely from running at high speed on bitumen or from the impact itself.
Other injuries confirmed the trauma of being hit by a car.

Despite every effort, Nigel’s suffering was too great. A few days ago, he was humanely put to sleep.

What Nigel Leaves Behind

Nigel’s story is heartbreaking, but it is also powerful. It shines a light on the daily dangers faced by kangaroos across Australia:

Dogs off‑leash in kangaroo habitats.
Traffic collisions that cause immense suffering.
Media portrayals that trivialise wildlife distress instead of treating it with respect.

At Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary, we believe that every life matters and is valuable to the one that lives it. Nigel’s life mattered. His suffering mattered. And his story must not be forgotten.

A Call for Peace with Wildlife

We can honour Nigel by choosing to live differently:

Keep dogs leashed near kangaroo habitats.
Drive with care in areas where wildlife cross.
Speak out when wildlife are mocked or mistreated.
Treasure kangaroos and all native animals as the precious beings they are.

Farewell, Nigel. You were loved. You were gentle. You were part of the landscape and the community. Your story has broken hearts, but it has also opened eyes. May your memory inspire us to build a future where kangaroos — and all wildlife — can live in peace.

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 Please vote to keep his memory alive.

In Memory of Nigel