KEY POINTS

  • The Scituate Animal Shelter asked for handmade kangaroo pouch donations
  • The pouches will be sent for the kangaroo joeys that were orphaned by the bushfires
  • They received over 200 handmade pouch donations, and even monetary help for shipping

An animal shelter in Massachusetts called for donations for Australian wildlife affected by the devastating fires and the community certainly came through. Specifically, the shelter wanted to look out for the young kangaroo joeys that lost their mothers to the fires.

Handmade Joey Pouches

The Scituate Animal Shelter of Massachusetts (SAS) is just like many other animal shelters, in that it focuses on cats and dogs in hopes of finding forever homes for them. However, in light of the recent fires in Australia, SAS asked for donations of handmade joey pouches for the baby kangaroos orphaned by the fires.

The handmade donations came in many different versions, with some even sporting straps that workers can wear while carrying the joeys.

So far, the shelter has sent out over 200 pouches sewed by people from all over Massachusetts and even beyond. The shelter also had a little help with the shipping costs from some who donated money for the cause.

“We called and wow, did you answer!” Scituate Animal Shelter wrote on Facebook. "We are amazed by this community's support for our friends in Australia and know you have made a difference in helping the amazing rescue groups.”

Kangaroo Joeys

Although the donations seem simple or even unusual, they will actually prove useful for the joeys. Typically, kangaroo joeys start making their way to their mothers’ pouches after a gestation period of up to 34 days. By that time, they are just the size of a jellybean.

The joeys will stay inside their mothers' pouches until they are about six months of age when they are developed enough to leave for short periods of time. However, they will still have to return to feed. It is only when they are at least eight to 11 months of age, depending on the species, that they leave their mothers’ pouches for good.

As such, it is important to have the orphaned joeys in a familiar environment where they can feel cozy and safe.

Australian Wildlife Recovery

On Jan. 15, the Wildlife and Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel met for the first time in Canberra. There, they were briefed about the government's monetary commitment to emergency wildlife and recovery, as well as the list of threatened species that were in the path of the fire.

“At a time of devastation for our environment, there is also cause for hope and optimism,” Chair of the Wildlife and Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel Dr. Sally Box said. “The Panel is truly inspired and heartened by the outpouring of support and willingness of the community to be part of the recovery effort.”

Kangaroo Joey
Baby kangaroos, known as joeys, stay inside their mothers' pouches for months before they are grown enough to leave. Pixabay