UPDATE: A controversial video shared by the Kevington Hotel in Victoria, Australia has sparked an online uproar, leading to serious repercussions for the pub’s owner, Daryl. Just days after posting, he has reported receiving multiple death threats due to the reaction to the video featuring a kangaroo.
In the now-viral footage, which has garnered nearly 500 comments, an eastern grey kangaroo is seen trembling at the edge of a creek, while a dog barks off-camera. Daryl’s intention was to scare the kangaroo away from a campground where families often visit, but many viewers found the video distressing. Critics have described the situation as “not remotely funny,” expressing concern for the animal’s well-being.
Daryl, who described the incident as escalating rapidly, stated, “There’s been three or four death threats… It’s getting a bit ridiculous when someone threatens to kill your family over throwing a stick at a kangaroo.” He emphasized that while he did throw a stick, he did not intend to harm the kangaroo but rather to scare it back into the bushland.
Authorities confirm that Daryl’s actions have raised alarms among animal welfare advocates. The Victorian Kangaroo Alliance has urged him to delete the video to prevent others from mimicking his behavior, which they deemed cruel. Alyssa Wormald from the organization stated, “Despite his intentions, it is cruel… throwing a stick at a kangaroo is not an acceptable interaction.”
Daryl argued that kangaroos can become aggressive when close to human settlements, and he wanted to prevent a repeat of a 2022 incident where a kangaroo was shot for being a perceived threat. He expressed his love for native wildlife, claiming he has rescued multiple joeys and never serves kangaroo meat at his pub.
As discussions about the ethics of interacting with wildlife continue to unfold, Daryl’s story highlights the growing tension between human activity and animal welfare in Australia. The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with sharing spaces with native wildlife.
Moving forward, Daryl plans to reconsider how he shares his experiences online, acknowledging the backlash and its implications. “I absolutely love and adore our native wildlife,” he said. “Anyone who wants to take what I’ve done out of context is just a complete and utter twat.”
As this story develops, it raises critical questions about the treatment of animals and the potential consequences of social media sharing. The public is urged to remain vigilant in their interactions with wildlife, ensuring that respect and compassion are at the forefront of their actions.
