Zoological attraction introduces two female wallabies
In a shocking turn of events, two kangaroos at the Gräfrath animal park in Solingen, Germany, passed away in April 2023. The suspected cause of their deaths is poisoning, although the investigations into the first incident are still ongoing.
The park has taken immediate action to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities, including the police, the veterinary office, local hunting authority, and various investigative laboratories, have been involved in the investigation. Toxicological examinations on the animals have been conducted, and the park has reviewed its security measures and visitor access to ensure the safety of the remaining animals.
The first incident occurred on April 15, when a female kangaroo was found dead with her head severed. A joey in the pouch of the deceased kangaroo was taken to a nearby breeding station but unfortunately died after 14 days. On Good Friday morning, another female kangaroo was found dead on the enclosure with her head completely missing. The cause of the first kangaroo's death is still under investigation.
To increase the kangaroo's night-time living space, a large roller door has been installed in front of the kangaroo stall. Since the incidents, the kangaroos have been kept in a closed stall at night instead of the outdoor enclosure. The park has also taken additional security measures, with the board of the Fauna having some employees and board members spend nights in the park to monitor the situation.
On May 19th, an unknown person was recorded on surveillance cameras heading towards the kangaroo enclosure at 0.50 AM, but no one could be found, and the trace analysis remained inconclusive. The local police recommended not informing the public about the deaths of the two kangaroos due to uncertainty about the cause.
However, there is some positive news to report. The animal park is now home to two new kangaroo females, who have moved in from the Zoological Garden Neunkirchen and the Tierpark Hamm. The arrival of these new kangaroos means that the buck in the Gräfrath animal park is no longer alone.
In a show of appreciation, the board of the Fauna has expressed gratitude to employees, board members, the police, and other helpers for their contributions in investigating the incidents. To further engage the community, visitors to the animal park are invited to suggest names for the kangaroos from July 21st to August 3rd. Forms will be available at the cashier. The selected names will be announced at the 'baptism' of the kangaroos at the enclosure, and the sponsorship for each kangaroo will be drawn among all participants.
The Gräfrath animal park remains committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its animals, and it will continue to work closely with authorities to resolve the ongoing investigation and prevent any future incidents.
- To maintain a safe and nurturing environment for its animals following the unfortunate deaths, the Gräfrath animal park has introduced new home-and-garden security measures, such as installing large roller doors and ensuring night-time supervision by employees and board members.
- As part of their effort to revitalize the kangaroo enclosure and improve visitor engagement, the Gräfrath animal park is inviting the public to contribute by suggesting lifestyle-friendly names for the park's new female kangaroos from July 21st to August 3rd. The chosen names will be revealed at a special event, and sponsorships for each kangaroo will be offered to all participants.
