Chris “Brolga” Barns, a dedicated kangaroo rescuer, has spent the past two decades hand-raising orphaned kangaroo joeys found in the outback highways of the Northern Territory. His experiences have led him to question the kangaroo culling programs implemented in eastern Australia and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Barns, who founded the Alice Springs Kangaroo Sanctuary, has seen the impact of these practices on kangaroo populations and believes there must be a better way to manage the species.
While acknowledging the necessity behind what are termed “conservation culls,” Barns expresses his deep love for kangaroos and concern over their treatment. “I don’t like it because I love kangaroos,” he stated. The sanctuary founder is well-known for his appearances in the 2013 documentary series Kangaroo Dundee and the recently released film Kangaroo, which highlights his work with these marsupials.
Barns attributes the differing approaches to kangaroo management across Australia to ecological balance. “Where we’re from in Central Australia, there’s no culling,” he explained. He noted that the presence of dingoes, which serve as natural predators for kangaroos, has maintained this balance. In contrast, the eastern states have seen a decline in dingo populations due to agricultural practices, leading to an overabundance of kangaroos—particularly noticeable in urban areas like Canberra.
Every year, state and territory governments license hunters to cull millions of kangaroos, citing the need to protect land and other native species, as well as to prevent starvation among kangaroos during droughts. In Queensland, farmers have reported populations as high as 10,000 kangaroos on a single property, while in Victoria, rural politicians describe the situation as a “plague,” exacerbated by dry conditions this year. In the ACT, cull numbers have more than doubled in an effort to protect grasslands, raising concerns about young kangaroos, described as “pouch young,” being included in these quotas.
As awareness of animal welfare grows, Barns suggests that Australians may prefer alternative measures for managing kangaroo populations. “It’s a modern world now,” he said, advocating for a more harmonious coexistence with wildlife. His hope is that the film Kangaroo, featuring actors Ryan Corr and Deborah Mailman, will inspire greater appreciation for these iconic animals. The film, which tells the story of a wayward TV weatherman, a grieving Indigenous girl, and an orphaned joey, premiered in cinemas on September 18.
Barns highlights the often-overlooked reality of kangaroo roadkill, where many people are unaware that a deceased kangaroo could leave a joey alive in its pouch. “I’d say 99 percent of people are totally unaware of this,” he noted, urging motorists to take precautions. He advises drivers to avoid traveling late in the day or at night and to keep a pillowcase handy in their vehicles, which can serve as a temporary pouch for any orphaned joeys they might find.
In summary, Barns encourages the public to check the pouches of deceased kangaroos and, if they find a joey, to take it to the nearest wildlife carer or veterinarian. His advocacy for kangaroo welfare reflects a broader call for a shift in how Australia manages its unique wildlife, moving towards coexistence rather than culling. As the conversation around kangaroo populations continues, Barns remains hopeful for a future where both humans and kangaroos can thrive together.
