Environment

Ray Cole Rescues Kangaroo from Ipswich Floods

by Jordan Yerman | January 12, 2011 at 03:54 pm

954 views | 10 Recommendations | 3 comments

Ray Cole Braves Queensland Floods to Rescue Kangaroo

Ray Cole defied police orders (and common sense) in order to rescue a kangaroo that was in danger of drowning in the floodwaters that deluged Ipswich.

Cole said that he couldn't just stand by and watch Australia's national animal drown: "I could just see its little head bobbing up and down and I knew it didn't stand a chance."
Click the link below for the soon-to-be-iconic photo.

"When I was growing up on the streets of Preston we learned and lived by the motto that you reach out and help others," Mr Cole said.

Like Sam the koala, who was pictured taking a drink of water from a firefighter during Victoria's Black Saturday inferno, the dramatic images of Mr Cole and the kangaroo have been seen around the world.

Domestic animals, pets, and Australias less agile fauna are at heightened risk, especially since Ipswich, along with many other towns and cities, can't be reached by rescue vehicles with great ease.

Monica Allen, from the Australian Rescue and Rehabilitation of Wildlife, said Ipswich was isolated and people could not deliver wildlife, while carers could not get out.

"I've got a baby koala here at the moment and only about a day's supply of fresh gum leaves for it," she said.

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MROliver

at 18:02 on January 12th, 2011

Oh I love this story!

gail best (not verified)

at 19:29 on January 12th, 2011

Wouldnt it be great now i know its only one kangaroo but its the fact that many would have let it die and he risked his life that this man got some rcgonition from our primeminster some people int his country have gotten it for way less

Maree Baker (not verified)

at 12:03 on January 13th, 2011

Ray Well Done!You did the right thing as it shows humans do care.Truth is the police sh 've gone in themselves not tried to stop you.Hope the little guy is doing ok.