The escape occurred around 11:15 a.m. last Wednesday after stray dogs spooked Chesney, according to Debbie Marland, a keeper at the farm. The Juneau County Sheriff's Office asked the public for help locating Chesney. Chesney was last seen bouncing through the area of 23rd and 9th streets. According to The Independent - Main, Debbie Marland described putting on about 37,000 steps per day searching for Chesney, noting she hadn't done so much exercise in a very long time. Multiple reports indicate Chesney stayed within a three-mile radius of the farm during his escape, and there had been several sightings of him moving in different directions, according to the owner on Facebook. Searchers used heat-seeking drones to help locate the kangaroo, who escaped without his denim pants diaper, as noted by the owners on social media.
Chesney was discovered under a tree in a wooded area on Friday night and was recaptured on Saturday morning. According to The Independent - Main, Stacy Brereton, a friend and helper at Sunshine Farm, described Chesney having a very calm attitude when he walked up, noting you could tell he wasn't in fight-or-flight mode, so she stayed calm and let him come to her. The recapture was achieved using his favorite treats and material with his and his roommate Kenny's scent.
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.
Chesney is a 16-month-old kangaroo weighing 40 pounds and capable of running up to 20 mph. Sunshine Farm houses 25 animals including horses, sheep, alpacas, Kunekune pigs, Highland cows, and a Bactrian camel. The farm is generally open Fridays through Sundays from mid-May through mid-November. According to The Independent - Main, Debbie Marland described the community coming together for the kangaroo, who is now something of a celebrity.
Owning a kangaroo is legal in Wisconsin, according to multiple reports. However, specific measures to prevent future escapes from Sunshine Farm have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether any injuries or damages occurred during the escape and recapture. The exact legal status and regulations for owning exotic pets like kangaroos in Wisconsin are not detailed in available reports, and how the stray dogs accessed the enclosure or whether they were identified or captured is unknown. The impact of the escape on the farm's operations and visitor safety protocols has not been confirmed.
He had a very calm attitude when he walked up, obviously you could tell he wasn't in fight-or-flight mode, so I just went with that. I just stayed calm with him and I just kind of went and sat and let him come to me.
I do believe he heard our comforting voices, he smelled the familiar smells of home and it just made him feel safe. I'm just glad he loves me as much as I love him.
The community really did come together for the kangaroo, who is now something of a celebrity.
Chesney the kangaroo pulled a full-on prison break from Sunshine Farm petting zoo in Necedah, about 90 miles north of Madison.
The runaway roo was last seen bouncing through the area of 23rd & 9th like he's training for the Olympics.
He is likely scared, so please be careful with him. Please don't challenge him to a boxing match.