Dramatic kangaroo rescue

15 May 2009, 12:30 pm   -   Source: AAP
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A Queensland man has dramatically rescued a kangaroo after it bounded into the surf on the Gold Coast's Kirra Beach

A Queensland man has dramatically rescued a kangaroo after it bounded into the surf on the Gold Coast's Kirra Beach

A Queensland man has plucked a drowning kangaroo from the Gold Coast surf. The extraordinary tale has turned business speaker Neil McCallum into a media sensation following the 6am rescue on the Gold Coast's Kirra Beach.

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A Queensland man has plucked a drowning kangaroo from the Gold Coast surf. The extraordinary tale has turned business speaker Neil McCallum into a media sensation following the 6am rescue on the Gold Coast's Kirra Beach.

The 48-year-old was returning from a early morning run with his 15-year-old son on Tuesday when a young kangaroo bounded across their path and straight into the water.

Mr McCallum said he was immediately concerned for the kangaroo, given recent shark activity in the area.
"There's been sharks seen here, and a fellow was eaten or bitten only a few months ago around the corner there," he told the Seven Network.
   
"So I've thought, `Oh, this isn't good to have a kangaroo for one thing travelling out to sea.'"
   
The pair kept an eye on the young roo before one of the Gold Coast's strong rips forced Mr McCallum into action.
The part-time surfer ran home and grabbed his longboard, sparing only enough time to tell his wife what was happening before heading back to the beach and plunging into the surf.
   
His wife Amanda, still dressed in her pyjamas, came along and captured the entire rescue on camera.

"The waves were really smashing on him and he's getting rolled around. I'm trying to pick him up, get him by the tail without him scratching me or whatever kangaroos do," Mr McCallum said.

He eventually herded the frightened animal back to the shore, where it bounded off. Mr McCallum said he had never before seen a kangaroo around Kirra, a built-up suburb about 20km south of Surfers Paradise, although reports of swimming kangaroos elsewhere are not unusual.
   

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