Red Kangaroo Struck by Train at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Euthanized

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has announced that a kangaroo from their Australian Adventures exhibit had to be euthanized on Tuesday. In a tragic turn of events, the one-year-old female kangaroo was struck by the train used in the Boomerang Line, Australian Adventure's train ride.

The accident occurred around noon and has been determined to be due to human error. The operator of the train did not see the red kangaroo laying on the tracks before it was too late and it was struck. Individuals from the Animal Care staff quickly sprang into action from nearby and relocated the unfortunate kangaroo patient to the Zoo's animal hospital for treatment.

In the meantime, Zoo officials immediately shut down the train ride. The train operator was promptly terminated from his position. The Zoo has a strict protocol that must be followed by the train operators to aid in the prevention of such unfortunate accidents with the animal population. The operators must undergo safety training and observe set speed limits at all times.

Back at the Zoo's animal hospital, veterinarians worked desperately for over an hour to save the red kangaroo. However, due to the extensiveness and severity of the injuries, it had to be euthanized around 1:30 p.m.

In an attempt to prevent this type of incident in the future, the Zoo has ordered fencing that will separate the animals from the train tracks. The Boomerang Line will remain closed until the entire fencing project has been completed.

A red kangaroo adult can travel up to speeds of 40 miles per hour for short bursts and hop 27 feet per jump. If a red kangaroo really wants to, it can clear a ten-foot fence, therefore special fencing will be required to contain the creatures and prevent future accidents involving the Boomerang Express.

The red kangaroos are not truly red. The females are a gray to blue-gray color their entire lives. The males are generally a gray to brown color most of the time. However, during mating season, the red kangaroo males develop a brilliant red color down their backs and chests.

The press release said, "the Zoo regrets this unfortunate incident and is committed to taking steps that will ensure the safety of all its animals at all times."

SOURCE:

Cleveland Metroparks News Release. URL: (http://www.clemetzoo.com/pressroom/index.asp?action=details&pressrelease_id=1257)