Official government statistics show that there are more than twice as many kangaroos as humans living in Australia; so, it is not really unexpected that annually more than 7000 drivers are involved in, claim for, incidents with these animals.
Following one such mishap back in December 2023, a baby kangaroo was left without a mother but, thanks to Tiffany Banton and her excellent family, the young one was not only rescued but also received a great companion.
A rescued orphaned baby kangaroo created a very special bond with a puppy named Hazel
Image credits: @maggiebanton
Image credits: @maggiebanton
Found on Stars Road, the baby kangaroo’s mother was left on the side of the road after an unintentional car collision. After receiving a call from a SeaLink bus driver outlining the circumstances, Tiffany went there immediately picked up the terrified orphaned youngster and, with her daughter Maggie, has been tending to the kangaroo ever since.
“She was just nine months old at the time and now she’s eighteen months and getting strong,” the woman said. She said, “We named her Star after the road we found her on.”
Looking after the small kangaroo infant was not a simple chore. The family had to keep her warm with an electric blanket mimicking the warmth of a mother’s pouch and bottle-feed using a recommended special meal from a veterinarian.
Tiffany’s young daughter Maggie was not going to give up on the small kangaroo in spite of all the difficulties; she was rather important in the whole procedure.
“Maggie took Star under her wing, always wanting to feed her and look after her. She is very maternal and loves small animals,” the woman said.
Still, the most unique link was the one Star discovered with the charmingly beautiful puppy owned by the family, Hazel.
The two besties love to cuddle and sleep together
Image credits: @maggiebanton
When Hazel first joined the family on May 17, 2024, she fit the baby kangaroo right away. They turned into actual inseparable pals who would play and curl up all day long.
“Their relationship is wonderful; they have grown up together. This is, quite literally, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life! Tiffany spoke. Star will find someone in the house to be with as she hates being by herself. She either lies in the dog’s bed with Hazel or Maggie’s bed. And if she is alone, she sounds to let us know we should come find her.
She posted multiple videos on her social media showing Hazel kissing Star gently, how they enjoy each other’s company embracing, and how they love to spend peaceful naps together.
Tiffany Banton found the mother kangaroo lying on the side of a road after being hit by a car in December 2023 with the baby kangaroo sticking out of her pouch
Image credits: @maggiebanton
Image credits: @maggiebanton
Image credits: @maggiebanton
Image credits: @maggiebanton
Whether it’s a kangaroo, a small wallaby, perhaps a possum or a magpie, Tiffany also maintains a wildlife refuge on Kangaroo Island, tending to small rescued orphaned animals.
Following the wildfires some four years ago, Kangala Rescue began to operate. They provide milk and other supplies to assist animals who, once grown, finally find their way back to the wild.
Once the animals are freed, the woman said, the 650 acres on the property—two and 50 acres of natural scrub land and two freshwater lagoons—are rather lovely for growing up.
Star is already spending more time in the wild as she keeps growing.
Tiffany remarked, “She stays with us during the day, but at night she disappears into the wild and finally she will stop returning.”
Star and Hazel grew up together and their bond is truly special
Image credits: @maggiebanton
Image credits: @maggiebanton
Image credits: @maggiebanton
Probably not everyone knows that newborn joeys (baby kangaroos) are just one inch long (2.5 centimeters) at birth, or about the size of a grape and weighing less than two grams. Mother’s pouch provides a crucial safe place for the babies to stay until they grow big enough to survive outside the pouch on their own.
Therefore, imagine how desperate and terrified Star was when she suddenly lost mum—the only safe place in her world. Little did the baby kangaroo know at the time that Tiffany’s family would provide her not only a shelter but also the most loving true friend for a lifetime.
People on the internet were overwhelmed with Tiffany’s heartwarming gesture and such a special bond between a puppy and baby kangaroo
Image credits: @maggiebanton
Whether it’s a kangaroo, a small wallaby, perhaps a possum or a magpie, Tiffany also manages a wildlife refuge on Kangaroo Island, tending to little rescued orphaned creatures.
Following the bushfires almost four years ago, Kangala Rescue got to work. They provide milk and other products to assist with animals that, once grown, finally find their way back into the wild.
Once the animals are freed, the woman said, the 650 acres they have on the property—two and 50 acres of natural scrub land and two freshwater lagoons—are rather lovely for growing up.
Star is already spending more time in the wild as she also keeps developing.
Tiffany stated, “She stays with us during the day, but at night she wanders off into the wild and finally she will stop returning.”
Star and Hazel grew up together and their bond is truly special
Image credits: @maggiebanton
Image credits: @maggiebanton
Image credits: @maggiebanton
Probably not everyone knows that newborn joeys (baby kangaroos) are just one inch long (2.5 centimeters) at birth, or about the size of a grape and weighing less than two grams. Mother’s pouch provides a crucial safe place for the babies to stay until they grow big enough to survive outside the pouch on their own.
Therefore, imagine how desperate and terrified Star was when she suddenly lost mum—the only safe place in her world. Little did the baby kangaroo know at the time that Tiffany’s family would provide her not only a shelter but also the most loving true friend for a lifetime.
People on the internet were overwhelmed with Tiffany’s heartwarming gesture and such a special bond between a puppy and baby kangaroo