The daring wallaby who made world news when it hopped over the Sydney Harbour Bridge has been returned to the wild.
Taronga Zoo veterinarian Larry Vogelnest and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger Rachel Miller released ‘Syd’ the male swamp wallaby into his new home on Thursday.
After more than a week since his adventure throughout the city he will now find new fun in bushland at Ku-ring-gai Chase National park, north of Sydney.
The adventurous wallaby who made world news has been returned to the wild
Taronga Zoo veterinarian Larry Vogelnest and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger Rachel Miller released ‘Syd’ the male swamp wallaby into his new home on Thursday
After more than a week since his adventure throughout the city he will now find new fun in bushland at Ku-ring-gai Chase National park
Upon his initial capture Syd was taken to Taronga Wildlife Hospital where his condition was assessed by veterinarians.
As well as some minor abrasions to his face and hind feet, it was discovered Syd was also suffering from complications brought on by stress.
Taronga Wildlife Hospital Senior Veterinarian Dr Larry Vogelnest said it was fortunate Syd had not suffered more serious injuries.
‘The Wallaby made an excellent recovery in our care, eating within a day, which gave us hope that he would recover from his ordeal and be returned to the wild soon,’ said Dr Vogelnest.
‘Our enquiries as to where he may have come from offered no leads as to how the Wallaby came to be in the city. Although wallabies have been spotted as close as Northbridge, it’s still quite a distance,’ Dr Vogelnest said.
‘We are very fortunate that Sydney features significant areas of bushland, which is vital habitat for wildlife. As a result, it’s quite common to see wildlife in adjacent suburban areas,’ he said.
The marsupial (pictured) was spotted on January 16, before a police car escorted it off the bridge
Police responded to an unexpected call for assistance after a wallaby was spotted crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Police were able to capture the wallaby after its epic journey across the Sydney Harbour Bridge
‘It’s important for Sydneysiders to have an awareness of wildlife, particularly on the roads and with their dogs and cats. I urge people to ensure their pets are managed so that they don’t injure wildlife, and take extra care on the roads and look out for wildlife’ he said.
On January 16 morning commuters had been treated to a rare sight when Syd made his way across Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Drivers reported seeing the animal hopping down the road on the bridge before getting on the Cahill Expressway over Circular Quay.
The marsupial was spotted just before 5am, before a police car escorted him off the bridge.