Police and fisherman rescue young kangaroo from River Clyde

Quick-thinking police and a pair of fishermen rescued a distressed kangaroo from a river on the south coast.

NSW Police were conducting routine foot patrol in Batemans Bay this morning when they spotted a kangaroo in the distance jumping from a jetty into the River Clyde.

Probationary constable Tevita Tuivaga sprang into action after seeing a kangaroo in distress in the water.

“We saw this kangaroo just jumping and it jumped off the dock,” he said.

“We called a group of fishermen, I jumped in and we followed the kangaroo.”

Unexpected Rescue

It is unclear why the kangaroo jumped into the water, but officers were concerned for its safety due to its small size and the fact that it was swimming in deep water rather than heading towards shore.

Probationary constable Tuivaga called the men who were fishing under the River Clyde bridge and they immediately came to help.

shot of a river with boats and a bridge taken from a drone — The River Clyde at Batemans Bay is a popular fishing spot for locals and visitors. (Delivered by: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism; Grand Pacific Drive)

“I jumped in the boat and took a closer look and it looked like she was a little upset and tired,” said probationary constable Tuivaga.

After collecting the kangaroo, the fishermen and Probation Constable Tuivaga headed to the shore on the north bank of the river to free it.

“It wasn’t easy – he panicked and started jumping around the boat,” the officer said.

The kangaroo did not appear injured after it was released.

Public praise

The 21-year-old officer had been with the South Coast Police District for about four months after moving from the city.

He was quick to admit that saving kangaroos was not something he expected to do as part of his job, but it was rewarding nonetheless.

“I’m from Sydney so it was completely different to anything I’ve ever experienced,” he said.

“I feel like I did something good today.”

On social media, many were quick to praise the quick-thinking officer.

“My heroes! Thank you!” one user wrote.