Joeys orphaned by vehicle strikes and kangaroo culling operations require specialized care, and their welfare depends on experienced rehabilitation practices that respect their behavioral needs.
Kangaroo joey welfare in rehabilitation depends critically on the knowledge and discipline of carers. Providing the warmth, nutrition, and companionship that joeys need for development is essential, but must be balanced against the risk of over-taming that prevents successful wild release. Carers who raise joeys in isolation or with excessive human contact may produce animals that cannot survive independently or, in the case of males, that pose safety risks. Professional wildlife care training is essential for anyone working with kangaroo joeys.