A red kangaroo that escaped from Chiang Mai Zoo on Monday has been found dead, ending a two-day search effort. Photos of the animal’s body lying in a creek inside Doi Suthep-Pui National Park have gone viral, confirming its fate.
The two-year-old kangaroo managed to escape when its keeper entered its cage during feeding time. The incident first came to light when local villagers spotted the marsupial hopping along a road heading towards Doi Suthep, capturing the moment on video.
Since the escape, scores of officials from Chiang Mai Zoo and the wildlife department had been involved in an extensive search operation.
The public was cautioned against approaching the animal due to the potential danger it posed both to itself and to humans. The red kangaroo, known for its strength and agility, could easily be startled, leading to heart failure, warned authorities.
Veterinarian Kannika Jantarangsri provided insight on Wednesday, explaining the physical prowess of the red kangaroo. “The red kangaroo is very strong and muscular. It is fast and can jump very far. A red kangaroo is easily startled and could go wild. In such a case, it could suffer heart or kidney damage. We have to find it within two or three days, otherwise, it may die,” she stated.
With the discovery of the kangaroo’s body, the zoo now has 22 kangaroos in its Australian zone. The officials involved in the search operation included Chiang Mai Zoo’s director and the head of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, among others, who tirelessly worked to locate the animal.
Attapon Srihayrun, Director-General of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand, confirmed the discovery and the end of the search effort.
