Wallaby rescued from the side of the road in Somerset
A local Somerset animal charity were alerted to the incident in the early hours of Thursday morning
Last updated 4th Aug 2023
Ambulance crews and a local Somerset animal charity were called out to pick up a wallaby on the side of the road yesterday.
Secret World Wildlife, based in Highbridge, tell us they were alerted to the incident at 3am on August 3, when an ambulance crew were called to the road casualty in Churchill with a suspected broken back.
Locals have reported a number of wallaby sightings in recent months, and we're told the species are quite prevalent in the south west, thanks to an abundance of food.
Sadly, though, this wallaby had to be put to sleep because of the extent of its injuries.
Pauline Kidner, Founder of Secret World Wildlife Rescue, said: "I was woken at 3 am early this morning (August 3) with a call about a road casualty in Churchill.
"It was an ambulance crew that were calling to report that they had moved the animal off the road but couldn’t stay with it.
"I was given a precise location and was told it was the size of a cat. Within half an hour I was at the location and very surprised to see that the description of the casualty was absolutely correct although maybe not agreeing with the size comparison.
"It was the first wallaby that I had been called out to.
"Sadly, injuries to its spine were confirmed when the animal was taken to the night service at Quantock Veterinary Hospital in Bridgwater.
"I don’t think the veterinary nurse that I spoke to believed that I would be bringing in a wallaby. We were very upset that we were unable to save her, and she was quietly euthanased. The vets were amazing and dealt with the situation very professionally – so good to know they were there to help.”
There have been several sightings of wallabies locally, but this is the first time that one has been in an accident, Pauline tells us.
Some people in Somerset might still remember Mr Woo - albino wallaby who was reared in a rucksack in Pauline’s kitchen. Mr Woo and a favourite with many visitors when Secret World was open to the public as an attraction.
You can find out more about Secret World Wildlife on their website.