A large male kangaroo has been released back into its natural habitat after a shocking incident in which he was shot in the back by an arrow.
Wildlife rescuers told Noosa Today the kangaroos had been released, following surgery, at the Noosa Golf Club.
While the Roo appeared healthy and was recovering, there are still concerns regarding capture myopathy – a potentially fatal muscle damage resulting from extreme exertion or stress, which can lead to kidney failure, heart failure, and death, sometimes days or months after the stressful event.
The kangaroo was discovered late Tuesday after being shot by an arrow at the Noosa Golf Club.
An extensive search took place, before he was discovered in bushland near the golf course.
Wildlife Noosa volunteers attended and subdued the large male Roo, enabling them to stretcher him out and take him to Sunshine Coast Vets in Pomona.
Vet Romilly Haslam told Noosa Today her team cleaned the wound, and gave him antibiotics.
“He was very lucky. We cleaned and flushed the wound,” Ms Haslam said.
“I think he’ll make a full recovery.”
The arrow, which did not have a barb, pierced his skin above his spine, causing damage to his skin and lumbar muscles. “The wound should heal,” she said.
There is speculation that children shot the kangaroo from the vacant adjacent TAFE campus.
William Watson, Chief Operating Officer and Rescue Manager at Wildlife Noosa, said it was a distressing situation. “These issues just shouldn’t happen,” he said.
“We stretchered him out and took him to Pomona.”
“Fortunately the arrow didn’t have a barb on it.”
“People need to respect our wildlife.”
Police and the RSPCA will be notified and an investigation will begin.
Kathleen Swalling, Board Director of Tourism Noosa and Environmental Lawyer, said: “Noosa’s beauty isn’t just the beaches and hinterland — it’s the wildlife that calls this place home. When we choose empathy over harm, we honour the very spirit of our Shire.”
“Every creature in Noosa’s forests, rivers and shorelines is part of the tapestry that draws the world here. To protect them is to protect the magic that makes Noosa unforgettable — for our children, our visitors, and ourselves.”
She said the shocking sight of a kangaroo left injured with a bow in its back has saddened and angered “so many of us in Noosa — and rightly so.”
“Wildlife here are not props or curiosities; they are living, sentient parts of our community and our environment that deserve our respect, care and protection.”
“Noosa is treasured the world over not just for its beaches and hinterland, but for the unique wildlife that makes this place home. Kangaroos, koalas, sea turtles and all our native species are part of what makes Noosa’s natural environment a source of joy for both residents and visitors alike. Their presence enriches our lives, shapes our tourism identity, and reflects the health of our ecosystems.”
“It’s up to every one of us to teach our children — and lead by example ourselves — that compassion isn’t optional; it’s essential to stewarding the environment that sustains us. A healthy coexistence with wildlife not only ensures their survival, but also preserves the beauty, character and sense of wonder that the Noosa Shire is known for.”
“Let us use this moment not for blame, but for education and collective commitment. By championing respectful interaction with our native animals and standing up for their protection, we help ensure that Noosa remains a place where future generations — both human and animal — can thrive.”
