Granby Zoo staff confirmed on June 19 that a kangaroo which escaped after being kept illegally on Montreal's South Shore has been taken in and appears to be eating well. The animal was found wandering near the border of the city and was transported to the zoo, where it is now housed in a suitable enclosure.
Zoo personnel said the kangaroo showed no signs of injury and quickly adapted to its new environment. Observations indicate the marsupial is feeding regularly and maintaining a healthy weight. Staff have placed the animal under routine veterinary monitoring to ensure its continued wellbeing.
The kangaroo's earlier confinement was identified as an illegal private possession of an exotic species, a practice that violates provincial regulations. Authorities had been alerted after the animal escaped, prompting the zoo’s involvement. The incident adds to a growing number of cases where private owners keep non‑native wildlife without proper licensing, creating risks for both the animals and the public.
Granby Zoo, located on the South Shore of Montreal, has a history of providing temporary care for animals rescued from unlawful situations. By accepting the kangaroo, the institution aims to give the creature a stable habitat while authorities investigate the circumstances of its prior ownership. The zoo’s veterinary team will continue to assess the kangaroo’s health and behavior as part of its rehabilitation process.
Officials emphasize that illegal ownership of exotic animals can lead to escapes, endangering communities and compromising animal welfare. The zoo’s swift response illustrates the role that accredited facilities play in mitigating such incidents, offering a safe refuge for animals that cannot be returned to private hands. The case underscores the importance of enforcing existing wildlife protection laws to prevent future occurrences.
The kangaroo’s successful transition to zoo life provides a positive outcome from an otherwise troubling situation, demonstrating that proper care and oversight can restore the wellbeing of animals rescued from illegal captivity.