Kangaroo put down after attack

Kangaroos at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

John Gass

CURRUMBIN Wildlife Sanctuary CEO Jonathan Fisher is calling for the public and media to show sensitivity in regard to an attack on two volunteers by male kangaroo, Spartan at the sanctuary on Monday.

It is believed the Alpha male kangaroo kicked a volunteer to the ground and then turned on a second volunteer who came to her aid.

The kangaroo was put down on the advice of a veterinarian after fracturing the hip of one volunteer and cracking a rib of the other.

"We are all very sad that one of our favourite animals had to be put down," Mr Fisher said.

"We understand that the public will be as upset over this as us.

"But it's important not to speculate at this stage."

Mr Fisher said the two injured volunteers were receiving support from the sanctuary, with a hip operation going well for one and the other receiving medical treatment for their rib injury.

"We are keeping closely in touch with them," Mr Fisher said.

"This is an extremely rare occurrence.

"The incident is very unfortunate, but we don't want them to lose confidence.

"It's a little like riding a bike.

"We hope they can get back on with our support."

A post mortem was carried out on Spartan today with the results expected in the next week.