Australian Kangaroos Found With Crossbow Arrows In Their Bodies

The injured kangaroo was found on Thursday in parklands near Melbourne's outer suburb, where it is believed to have survived for up to a week.

Melbourne Zoo vet Michael Lynch says he will monitor the kangaroo for the next three weeks but remains optimistic.

Wildlife Victoria has posted a Aus$10,000 ( US$7,600, £5,000) reward to find the person responsible.

Wildlife Victoria spokeswoman Fiona Corke, said the kangaroo was rescued just days after another kangaroo was found with an arrow in its rump in the same area.

"It's just unbelievable, I can't believe that anyone would do something so cruel," she said.

The incident comes at a time when the Australian army is culling 6,000 kangaroos near the capital, Canberra - a move which has outraged conservationists.

The killings are intended to protect endangered plants and insects that share the grassy habitat with the kangaroos.

Animal rights activists are outraged at a decision that will permit thousands of baby kangaroos to be slaughtered.

The regional government of New South Wales has announced a cull after a severe drought drove kangaroos into residential areas.

Up to 15 per cent of the population will be targeted, authorities say.

But animal welfare groups are horrified over guidelines that state orphaned joeys should be decapitated, shot or clubbed to death.