Pouch Joey Rescue Guide

1. Assess the Situation

Check for Signs of Life:

Breathing: Feel near the mother’s chest to check for breath. If she is still breathing, contact a wildlife rescue immediately for guidance. It may be dangerous to intervene without proper knowledge or equipment if the mother is alive but injured.

Warmth: Gently touch her body to check if it’s warm. A body that’s still warm might indicate the mother has only recently died, and her joey may still be attached.

Rigor Mortis (Stiffness): If the body is stiff, it’s more likely the mother has been dead for a while. At this point, the joey should be your priority.

2. Locate the Joey

Carefully Open the Pouch:

Pouch Check: Gently open the pouch and check for a joey. If the joey is still attached to the teat, don’t pull it off. If the joey is free-floating, it will be easier to remove.

3. Removal (if the Joey is Not Attached)

Gently Reach into the Pouch:

Support the Joey: Slowly and carefully, reach into the pouch and gently support the joey’s body, especially its head, to prevent any injury.

Body Position: Remove the joey back-first, ensuring its tail and legs follow smoothly to avoid breaking any bones. Joeys are fragile, so keep the movements slow and controlled.

4. Removal (if the Joey is Attached to the Teat)

Do Not Pull the Joey:

Cut the Teat Carefully: If the joey is still attached to the teat, do not pull on it. Instead, cut the teat as close to the mother’s body as possible, using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a scalpel. Cutting near the base will prevent injury to both the joey and the mother’s body.

Leave the Teat in the Joey’s Mouth: Once the teat is cut, leave it in the joey’s mouth. This is important because the joey may still instinctively suck, which helps provide some comfort and possibly calming signals while it transitions to being handled.

5. Wrap the Joey

Wrap the Joey in Soft, Warm Cloth:

Keep the Joey Warm: Wrap the joey in a soft towel or blanket immediately. Warmth is essential—baby kangaroos are highly vulnerable to temperature changes, and hypothermia can set in quickly. You can place a heat pack wrapped in a towel near the joey to help maintain warmth.

Be Gentle: Handle the joey as gently as possible. It will be frightened and disoriented, so minimizing stress is key.

6. Immediate Care

Transport the Joey to Safety:

Get to a Wildlife Rescue: Immediately contact a wildlife rehabilitator, or a veterinarian who can care for the joey. Time is critical, so make sure you know the fastest route and method of transport.

Keep the Joey in a Safe, Quiet, and Warm Environment: During transport, ensure the joey is kept in a secure container or carrier with soft bedding and is as warm and calm as possible. Avoid disturbing the joey too much on the way.

Important Considerations

Never Force the Joey Out of the Pouch: If the joey is still attached, don’t attempt to pull it off the teat or forcefully remove it. Cutting the teat should only be done as a last resort, and even then, it needs to be done with careful precision.

Avoid Pulling the Tail or Legs: The joey’s tail and legs are especially vulnerable, so never pull on them. This could cause serious internal injuries, fractures, or permanent damage.

Be Gentle and Patient: Joeys are fragile, and their emotional state can be impacted by the stress of being removed from the pouch. Keeping calm, gentle hands and patience will help the joey feel more secure during the process.

If You’re Unsure, Contact a Wildlife Professional: If at any point you’re unsure or feel the situation is beyond your ability to handle, contact a professional wildlife rescue or carer. They can guide you step-by-step or take over the care of the joey. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Do Not Feed the Joey Yourself: do not attempt to feed the joey. Baby kangaroos need specific milk formulas (marsupial milk replacement) that should be provided by professionals. Cow’s milk or any other substitute can cause serious harm to the joey’s digestive system.

Final Note

Your actions are incredibly important in this situation, and taking the time to be thorough, gentle, and patient will give the joey the best chance of survival. While handling an injured or deceased mother can be an emotional and challenging situation, focusing on the joey’s safety and getting it into professional care quickly is paramount.

If you need help locating wildlife rescue services in your area or have any other questions, feel free to ask!

Contact a registered Wildlife Carer as soon as practical and within 72hrs by law. It is an offence for members of the public to keep wildlife.