On New Year's Day, a deceased female wallaby was discovered at Lake Tinaroo in Far North Queensland, tethered to a post with a cigarette in its mouth and a drink can in its pouch. An injured joey, found alive within the mother's pouch, was subsequently euthanized due to its injuries. Queensland Police and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) have initiated investigations into the incident.
Discovery and Scene Details
The incident occurred at Lake Tinaroo, located south-west of Cairns. Multiple visitors reported observing the wallaby on January 1. Wildlife carer Julia Howard, affiliated with the Agile Wallaby Project, responded to the scene during routine roadside checks for deceased wallabies with live offspring.
The adult wallaby was found with a rope or blue cord around its neck, which was secured to a roadside signpost. A photograph of the scene shows a cigarette placed in its mouth and a yellow drink can visible in its pouch. One report identified the can as a crushed Bundaberg rum can. An empty cigarette packet and a length of blue rope were also reportedly found in the vicinity. No other visible injuries were noted on the deceased wallaby.
The specific circumstances leading to the wallaby's capture remain undetermined. It has not been definitively concluded whether the wallaby was deceased prior to being manipulated. However, Shai Ager, founder and secretary of The Agile Project, stated that based on experience from necropsies, the reported actions likely contributed to the wallaby's death.
Joey's Condition and Outcome
A female joey was found alive within the mother's pouch. The joey had sustained significant injuries, including head injuries, a broken leg, and bruising. These injuries necessitated the joey's humane euthanasia. Wildlife carers noted that joeys of deceased wallabies would typically perish from dehydration or heat stress if not rescued.
Investigation and Legal Ramifications
Shai Ager, founder of the Agile Wallaby Project, reported the incident to the Queensland Police Service and DETSI. Queensland Police have confirmed an ongoing investigation, stating they are aware of social media reports and have received a formal report concerning an animal cruelty incident in Tinaroo on the Tablelands. Inquiries with the community are ongoing, and the public has been requested to provide any relevant information or CCTV footage that may assist the investigation.
A DETSI spokeswoman encouraged individuals with information regarding the incident to report it for investigation. Interfering with native wildlife, including wallabies, is an offense under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act, carrying potential maximum penalties of $16,690.
Context and Previous Incidents
The Agile Wallaby Project is an organization focused on animal research, rescue, and care. Ms. Ager previously reported a similar incident in October 2023, involving a wallaby tied to a signpost near Mareeba, approximately 40 kilometers from the current location. Other animal cruelty complaints in far north Queensland within the past year have included a crocodile found with an arrow in its head.
Agile wallabies are a common species in coastal Queensland and are one of 51 macropod species in Australia. Following the discovery, carer Julia Howard indicated plans to increase her roadside checks, conducting them daily and earlier in the morning.