The University has been advised that it is no longer appropriate for us to host the mob of kangaroos currently located in the old UNE Deer Park.
As a result, the 50 kangaroos who have made the old UNE Deer Park their home will be relocated to a more appropriate locale where they can be cared for until the environmental conditions improve, and the growth of their natural food supplies supports independent feeding. Once the ground in the park is remediated and made safe, the fencing can be taken down and the area enjoyed by UNE and the wider community.
The kangaroos will be relocated slowly over a number of months from November to UNE’s Newholme property, not far from Armidale. The kangaroos will not be fenced in at Newholme, however, food will continue to be provided for some time as they adjust to the new locale and natural vegetation is sufficient to support them.
This decision has been endorsed by UNE’s Animal Ethics Committee. With no current research on this species, the committee has agreed this is the best course of action especially given the current drought conditions. They have consulted with WIRES & Northern Tablelands Wildlife Carers to obtain their independent advice and endorsement.
UNE’s Animal Ethics Committee has advised that UNE does not hold an appropriate authority from the NSW DPI to house kangaroos within the confines of Deer Park and that it is inappropriate for UNE to retain the animals.
The capture by darting with a sedative will be supervised by University staff and Northern Tablelands Wildlife Carers, who will inspect the kangaroo’s health before they are transported.
The relocation does not impact the kangaroos that freely roam the campus.
Faculty Management Services (FMS) are working on plans to rehabilitate the area known as Deer Park, one of the key entry points to the Campus. FMS will manage the entire process and once the animals have been relocated initiate the physical remediation of the old Deer Park Landscape. The ground requires extensive landscaping as it has been severely affected by drought as well rabbit ingress. Once restored it will be open to the UNE community.
Contact Jo Scanlan, Director FMS, jo.scanlan@une.edu.au, with any questions or concerns about this process.