BABS : Bed and Breakfast Site: Accommodation

Western Australia

Perth Hills

Rehabilitation

Southglen is home to many Western Grey kangaroos who were orphaned as joeys. These joeys were raised in human families and rehabilitated 'back to the wild' at Southglen. They spend their days grazing in the paddocks with the llamas, or lying on the cool lawns of The Hacienda, returning to the hills at dusk.

During adolescence, young kangaroos practise boxing and kicking, using their strong tails for support.

Bow Ties

The white ribbon around their necks became necessary when two Southglen kangaroos were shot. The ribbons prevented further deaths.

One year a couple from Holland were staying in Southglen Cottage over Christmas. It was their second visit to the estate and they were particularly fond of the kangaroos, feeding them, taking photographs and enjoying their company as they lazed in the gardens. As much as they enjoyed our warm Australian summer, the couple were homesick for the traditional European festivities and winter weather. In an attempt to brighten their Christmas morning, as the kangaroos came in for breakfast, their ribbons were replaced with brightly coloured bow ties. The couple were thrilled with the spectacle and requested the bow ties remain until the end of their visit. No doubt there were many photographs of West Australian bow tie-wearing kangaroos circulating Holland for the next few years. So popular did the bow ties become that they remain to this day.

Donald is a red kangaroo from central Australia. Orphaned in 1998, he was sent down to Perth on a road train to be reared by a carer. Once adjusted to a pseudo pouch, artificial milk formula and the sound of the human voice, Donald moved to Southglen for permanent care.

The survival rate for rearing Red Kangaroos is very low. In temperament they are quite different from Western Greys, bonding solely with one person as their surrogate mother. In addition, they cannot be successfully rehabilitated into the bush in South Western Australia. Adopting a red joey is like adopting a human baby.

Donald is particularly fortunate to have a nanny, Robby, the confused sheepdog. The dog and the joey have formed a special friendship. It takes a little longer to bond with a llama.

Donald is progressing well although a leg injury from infancy has slowed his mobility.  He has taken very well to the bean bag, as you can see, spending cold winter nights in the courtyard of the Hacienda enjoying the shelter of the overhead awning.  He wears his bow tie with pride, and rewards guests who take the time to brush him, with his special kangaroo hug – two front paws wrapped gently around the neck followed by a tender lick on the forehead.