Wayward Kangaroo Returned Home After Daring Woodland Escape

Chesney the kangaroo sparked a three-day community search in rural Wisconsin before being coaxed back to safety.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:35am

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A 16-month-old kangaroo named Chesney escaped from a Wisconsin petting zoo after a pack of stray dogs spooked him, leading to a three-day search involving heat-sensing drones, volunteers, and familiar scents that eventually brought the wayward marsupial back home.

Why it matters

The escape and recovery of Chesney the kangaroo highlights the challenges of caring for exotic animals, the resourcefulness of local communities in responding to unusual emergencies, and the power of using technology like drones to aid in search and rescue efforts.

The details

Chesney the kangaroo lives with his keeper Debbie Marland at Sunshine Farm in Necedah, Wisconsin. Last Wednesday, a pack of stray dogs rushed Chesney's enclosure, sending the frightened animal over an 8-foot fence and into the surrounding woodland. Despite remaining within a 3-mile radius, Chesney proved nearly impossible to track, capable of hitting 20 mph through dense rural terrain. Marland mobilized friends, neighbors, and volunteers to search daily, and also enlisted drone operator Colton Johnson to use heat-sensing equipment to try and locate the missing kangaroo. After several near-misses over the 3-day search, Chesney was finally coaxed back home on Saturday when Marland returned with Chesney's favorite treats and the scents of home.

  • Last Wednesday, a pack of stray dogs spooked Chesney and sent him over an 8-foot fence.
  • The 3-day search for Chesney lasted from Wednesday through Saturday.

The players

Chesney

A 16-month-old kangaroo who escaped from a Wisconsin petting zoo.

Debbie Marland

Chesney's keeper at Sunshine Farm in Necedah, Wisconsin.

Colton Johnson

Operator of Midwest Aerial Drone Services, who used heat-sensing equipment to aid in the search for Chesney.

Stacy Brereton

A farm volunteer who was able to safely return Chesney to his home.

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What they’re saying

“He had a very calm attitude when he walked up. I just stayed calm with him and just kind of went and sat and let him come to me.”

— Stacy Brereton, farm volunteer

“I was putting on about 37,000 steps per day looking for him. I haven't done so much exercise in a very long time.”

— Debbie Marland, Chesney's keeper

“It almost looked like a dinosaur running through the woods. It's got a long tail, and the way it was moving and hopping — that's the only way I can describe it.”

— Colton Johnson, drone operator

What’s next

Chesney returned home hungry and tired but otherwise healthy, with a veterinary checkup scheduled. Marland plans to install a mesh top over the kangaroo enclosure to prevent future escapes.

The takeaway

The successful recovery of Chesney the kangaroo showcases the power of community collaboration, the innovative use of technology like drones, and the importance of providing proper care and containment for exotic animals.