Earlier this week, many of you may have seen footage of a man punching a kangaroo during a hunting trip with mates in New South Wales. The video, now viral, sent the world into a spin. So, why did he go toe-to-toe with this massive marsupial?
Well, the short answer is: to protect his dog.
As you can see in the video below, Zookeeper Greig Tonkins’ dog was being held in a headlock by the huge Eastern Grey Kangaroo.
Many wildlife experts were surprised that the roo put the dog in a choke-hold in the first place, considering roos usually use their legs to kick their way out of trouble.
According to kangaroo expert Dr Mark Eldridge, the roo must have been taken by surprise and the only way it could defend itself was to grab the dog by the head.
Dr Eldridge reckons Mr Tonkins is lucky he got away with his right hook.
His mates said that it was quite out of character for Tonkins to hit the roo.
“It was funny because the guy who did it is the most placid bloke. We laughed at him for chucking such a sh*t punch,” said Tonkin’s friend, Mathew Amor.
The group’s expedition was the result of a 19-year-old Kailem Barwick’s dying wish to go on a boar-hunting trip with his mates.
“Kailem would be looking down from up there [heaven] and laughing because it was the highlight of the trip.”
The Taronga Conservation Society does not condone his actions towards the animal, nor the practice of using dogs to hunt. The Taronga Zoo “will consider appropriate action” against Mr Tonkins.
Read more at News.com.au
What do you think should happen to Mr Tonkins?
