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Kangaroo Mum Lives in Tin Shack for Orphaned Joeys
2 Jun
Summary
- Brolga rescues orphaned kangaroos, caring for them in a makeshift sanctuary.
- He lived without electricity or a toilet to fund a dingo-proof fence.
- A documentary series led to fame, fan mail, and the sanctuary's survival.
Chris Barns, affectionately known as Brolga, has devoted the last year to rescuing orphaned baby kangaroos, or joeys. He carries them in a pillowcase, mimicking their mother's pouch.
Initially a tour guide, Brolga began rescuing joeys from kangaroos killed by cars. When some rescued joeys couldn't survive in the wild due to injuries, he quit his job and established a sanctuary in Alice Springs. He invested all his savings into a dingo-proof fence, living in a basic tin shack with no electricity or toilet.
His life transformed with the BBC documentary series 'Kangaroo Dundee'. The show brought him unexpected fame and fan mail, ultimately ensuring the Kangaroo Sanctuary's long-term survival. This allowed Brolga to fully commit to nurturing orphaned joeys. His first rescue, Roger, became an internet star, and some joeys recently featured in a film inspired by his life.
