Kangaroo escapade: Daring jailbreak ends with a fruitful return

The ability of animals to work with humans is appreciated in many aspects of life. Traditionally, one thinks of therapies involving animals or their use in transportation. A Czech prison uses animals to work with inmates. However, not everyone is satisfied with the working conditions, as demonstrated by two kangaroos who chose freedom.

Finding people under collapsed buildings or avalanches, supporting in treatment, detecting dangerous cargo, aiding in transportation in hard-to-reach places, and accompanying in daily activities—around the world, animals are seen not only as family members or a source of food but also as support for humans in various areas of life. Humanity manages better in numerous situations thanks to the invaluable help of dogs, cats, monkeys, horses, elephants, alpacas, and rats.

Employees at the prison in Jiřice near Nymburk believe in the power of human-animal cooperation. This Czech city is located several miles west of Prague. Inmates at the facility are divided according to the severity of their crimes. In the open section of the prison, animals are employed to work with the prisoners to aid in their rehabilitation. Among the furry prison workers are common and exotic species, including two kangaroos. The 32 inmates in the open section of the prison live in specialized houses designed to prepare them for life after incarceration. Interactions with animals are meant to support them in this process.

On Saturday, August 3, 2024, presumably due to the caretakers' oversight, both kangaroos chose freedom. One of the mischievous mammals returned to its quarters shortly after escaping. The other, more daring one, decided to make itself at home in the forests surrounding the prison. The search operation for the fugitive involved prison staff, the local community, and a veterinarian who specialized in exotic animals.

The kangaroo's escape lasted exactly one week. On Saturday, August 10, 2024, the Czech prison service announced the animal’s return via Instastory. According to the officers, the kangaroo voluntarily returned to the facility's grounds. A veterinarian is currently examining the animal, but as assured by the Czech prison services, it is unharmed, just very hungry.