A kangaroo escaped from a privately owned enclosure in St. Cloud, Florida, on Monday, but was later safely captured and taken to a nearby wildlife sanctuary. Reports indicate the 27-year-old owner of the kangaroo is facing multiple charges, as they lacked the necessary permissions to keep the animal.
The kangaroo, named “Hickory,” just over a year old, was spotted bouncing down Osceola County Road. A local resident filmed the kangaroo hopping around for a couple of minutes before it disappeared into a nearby field.
Officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee responded after receiving several calls about the loose animal. They managed to locate Hickory in a wooded area about an hour later, with help from volunteers and wildlife staff.
Hickory is now at a wildlife sanctuary until the owner can meet local regulations regarding animal enclosures. Staff have noted that kangaroos are quite sensitive and can suffer heart issues if they become overly excited.
This incident follows a similar event in Alabama last week, where law enforcement had to shut down a highway due to another kangaroo on the loose.
Details surrounding how these kangaroos escaped remain unclear, and while Florida law requires owners to obtain permits, the specifics of the charges against the St. Cloud kangaroo owner have not been disclosed.
