Captive Animals

Welfare of Captive Wallabies and Kangaroos

Macropods including wallabies and kangaroos are increasingly kept in petting zoos and private collections where their welfare is frequently severely compromised.

Key Facts

Kangaroos and wallabies have complex locomotion needs requiring large open spaces
They are prey animals with strong flight responses that make captive handling stressful
Capture myopathy from stress during handling can be fatal in macropods
Joeys separated from pouches require specialized long-term nursing care
Many jurisdictions allow private macropod ownership without welfare requirements

Welfare Considerations

Captive macropod welfare is frequently inadequate in private collections and petting zoos. Their need for open space, their extreme stress responses to handling, and their specialized dietary needs combine to make appropriate captive care very demanding.

What You Can Do

Oppose petting zoo experiences involving kangaroos and wallabies
Support welfare standards for macropods in any captive setting
Donate to Australian wildlife sanctuaries providing appropriate macropod housing
Advocate for prohibition on private macropod ownership without professional licensing