Chesney the Kangaroo Escapes Petting Zoo, Spends 3 Days on the Lam

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Chesney the kangaroo jumped an eight-foot fence to escape his petting zoo in Wisconsin, spending three days on the lam. The young marsupial was spooked by stray dogs and went on the run last week, causing sleepless nights for his keeper, Debbie Marland, before Chesney quietly approached a group of searchers and was brought back home.

Why it matters

Escapes from petting zoos and other animal enclosures can raise concerns about the welfare and safety of the animals, as well as the security measures in place to prevent such incidents. This story highlights the challenges zoos and petting zoos face in keeping their animals contained and the importance of proper fencing and enclosure design.

The details

Chesney and his kangaroo mate Kenny are among 25 animals — including alpacas, highland cows and a camel — at Sunshine Farm, a petting zoo in Necedah, Wisconsin, that's open in the warmer months. Chesney was tired and hungry but appeared healthy when recaptured. Marland says she'll install a mesh top on his enclosure to prevent more high-jumping hijinks.

• Last week, Chesney escaped from the petting zoo.
• Chesney was on the run for three days.
• Chesney was recaptured on Saturday.

What’s next

Marland says she will install a mesh top on Chesney's enclosure to prevent future escapes.