It’s not every day that you see a kangaroo browsing through patio furniture, but for shoppers at a Bunnings store in Albany, Western Australia, this was just another day in the land down under. In a moment that could only be described as ‘Peak Australia’, a kangaroo made a surprise appearance, hopping through the aisles and leaving customers both amused and concerned.
The incident was captured on video by a quick-thinking shopper and shared on social media, where it quickly hopped into the hearts and feeds of social media users. The footage shows the kangaroo making its way past the outdoor settings, seemingly in search of the perfect garden lounge. ‘Albany Bunnings had an unusual customer first thing this morning,’ the woman posted, adding a touch of humour to the situation, ‘Looking for a new outdoor setting. The pouch was checked on the way out.’
Danielle Walker, the Bunnings Regional Manager, expressed her gratitude towards the staff for their swift action in ensuring the safety of both the kangaroo and the customers. The kangaroo had entered through the drive-through area shortly after the store opened and was gently guided back to the wild by the team.
The video has since gone viral, amassing over 45,000 views and sparking a flurry of comments and shares across different social media platforms. Many found the situation amusing, with one commenter saying, ‘This is peak Australia. But it’s missing a snag.’ Others joined in with puns and jokes, making light of the kangaroo’s unexpected shopping trip.
However, amidst the laughter, there was a note of concern from some viewers who recognised the deeper issue at play. Comments like ‘So sad, poor baby,’ and ‘Poor guy. Lost his habitat,’ highlighted the growing problem of wildlife displacement in Australia. The kangaroo’s presence in the store was a stark reminder of the impact of urban development on native animal habitats.
WIRES, a wildlife rescue organisation, confirmed that encounters like these are becoming more frequent as animals are forced into human environments due to habitat loss from development and farming. They urged for better planning and collaboration to create wildlife corridors and preserve natural habitats, allowing residents to witness Australia’s unique fauna in their own backyards without endangering the animals.
This isn’t the first time a kangaroo has found its way into a human-dominated space. Just last September, another kangaroo hopped into a KFC in WA’s South West, bouncing around the dining area and car park, much to the delight and surprise of patrons. The footage from that encounter also made rounds on social media, with viewers joking about the kangaroo’s fast food preferences.
Have you ever encountered native wildlife in an unexpected place? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below and discuss how we can help protect Australia’s unique animals.
Also read: Unusual sighting in a Bunnings car park: A rare phenomenon captures attention
