Woman suffering from depression fights to keep disabled 'therapy pet' kangaroo

A woman suffering from depression who found comfort from an unusual pet as been told the animal could be taken away because it is a public safety risk. Christie Carr is seeking an exemption from Broken Arrow City Council to keep Irwin, a 25lbs great red kangaroo that she cares for like a child. Irwin rides in a car seat, is dressed in a shirt and trousers every day and is rarely apart from his doting carer.



At the advice of her therapist, Ms Carr began volunteering at an animal sanctuary where she met Irwin when he was just a baby. Less than a week later the joey - named after Australian animal expert Steve Irwin - ran into a fence, fracturing his neck and causing severe brain damage. Ms Carr volunteered to take the animal home and developed a bond with him as she nursed him back to health. Irwin cannot stand or walk on his own, but he is slowly regaining mobility and can hop three or four times in a row without assistance.

Ms Carr said: 'Irwin will not live if I have to give him up. I can't imagine a day living without him.' Native to Australia, healthy male great red kangaroos can grow up to 7ft and weigh more than 200lbs. They are capable of bounding 25ft in a single leap. Because of his accident, Irwin isn't expected to grow larger than 50lbs. Neutering has also lessened any chance he will become aggressive.


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Dr Lesleigh Cash Warren, his vet, said: 'Irwin cannot be judged as any normal kangaroo. He is a unique animal due to his disabilities and will require a lifetime of care and concern for his welfare.' Ms Carr, who is unable to work because of her health, changes Irwin's nappy several times a day and feeds him with salad, raw vegetables, popcorn, kangaroo food and the occasional bag of cheese crisps. The marsupial never leaves the house without getting dressed first. His clothes - a boy's shirt cut to accommodate his neck, and jeans or trousers with a hole cut for his tail - are necessary for therapeutic reasons and to protect him against germs, Ms Carr claims.