Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary: August 2024

On November 4th, my heart broke as I found my beautiful girl Rosie had passed away. Her lifeless body lay there, with Rossie’s head sticking out and his big sister Jonti standing close by. Rosie had been weak for some time, battling myopathy and the stress of mating and carrying babies, which ultimately took a toll on her heart.

The day before, I noticed Rossie on the ground, with Jonti attending to him instead of his Mumma. At just 1.3 kg, he was much too little to be out of his mum’s pouch. Rosie was a loving and caring mother to Rossie, and after he was taken into care, he struggled. It took about four weeks before he finally loved his bottle. Rossie had two buddies, Emma and Elliott, who kept him company.

Rossie was the most beautiful and gentle boy, with his mum’s eyes and disposition. Two years ago, he was struck with Bordetella bronchiseptica and became very sick. I had to bring him inside with Jedda, and he needed a lot of care—antibiotics, cough medications, anti-inflammatories, and pain relief. He was treated with a nebulizer and loads of loving care. Together with Jedda, he finally healed and was off to live the wild life.

In March last year, Rossie came home, went into the pen, and fell over—he was so weak. A vet diagnosed him with a respiratory infection, possibly a result of a compromised immune system caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica virus. He was treated with antibiotics, and I kept him confined in the pen for about four weeks. I was able to pouch him every night and put him into a thick fur-lined hanging bag. Jaffa kept him company, doting on little Rossie and never wanting to leave his side. When it was time to let him go free again, Jaffa followed him and stayed close. Every night, she would bring him home for supplemental feeding and a warm bed.

Spring arrived, and Rossie no longer wanted his bed, but every afternoon he was with Jaffa at the gate, wanting to go into the pen. About six weeks ago, he wanted his pouch again. He was too heavy for me to lift into his bed, so I put out a dog bed and covered him with blankets. The time he spent in his bed became longer and longer, so I knew something wasn’t right. I gave him supplements and made sure he had access to food, water, and treats each night.

Last week, Rossie came home shaking. Did he have an altercation with another boy? Doubtful, as he was such a placid, loving boy. Did he get a fright? Possibly, though I’m not sure from what. It’s pretty quiet here, and I hadn’t noticed anything. I treated him with Vitamin E, hiding the meds in a banana. He cottoned on quickly. He was still going out during the day but coming home at night. By Wednesday, he was so weak that I knew I needed to get the vet. Sadly, with wild joeys, we have to wait until that point for the vet to make an assessment.

Dr. Georgia came and couldn’t immediately diagnose anything. She drew some blood, and a couple of hours later, the diagnosis was renal failure. I discussed numerous options with Dr. Teresa and spoke to Claire, and it was decided to admit him the following morning and start him on fluids. The following morning, he was admitted into the clinic. The way we were greeted at the clinic oozed confidence, and I had no hesitation leaving Rossie, knowing he was in expert hands. He spent three days and two nights hooked to a drip, but there was only a very slight improvement.

Dr. James called me Saturday afternoon and very kindly and gently explained the diagnosis: Chronic Renal Failure. We suspect he had been suffering from this condition for at least six weeks. Unlike acute kidney failure, which is often reversible, chronic kidney failure is not. The prognosis was kidney dialysis and transplant, which sadly wasn’t an option. The rules here are quite clear and for good reason (most of the time): if they are not suitable for release, the heartbreaking decision was made to help him over the rainbow bridge.

We can only make some assumptions about how this happened: a bladder infection that wasn’t treated and went on for too long, crystals in his urine causing a blockage, a weakened immune system due to Bordetella bronchiseptica, or myopathy (though his blood cell count didn’t align with a myopathy diagnosis).

Rossie left peacefully, holding my hand. Together to the end. 💔💔

A huge shoutout to the staff at Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital WA for the love and care shown to Rossie while he was in your care. Your facilities to treat an adult kangaroo are just amazing. Thank you to Dr. James for taking the time to thoroughly explain exactly what was happening so I understood why he needed to be put to sleep. To Dr. Teresa, your compassion towards me and Rossie as he was put to sleep was above and beyond. To the other staff members, especially Alice Chandler, thank you for your care and reaching out to me. It will take a long time for me to heal. He was my special Rossie boy. He was gentle, and his eyes reflected my special Rosie girl.

I’m not sure if Jaffa understands or knows. I suspect she does. She was the only one home that night, and we were able to spend some time together. Jaffa has been Rossie’s constant companion for over two years, taking care of him and ensuring he was home every night to be pouched.

Rossie will be cremated, and his ashes sprinkled with his Mumma’s around the Wooly Bush.

Rossie, my beautiful baby boy, your gentle eyes and pure spirit always reminded me of your dear Mumma Rosie. Now, my heart is broken and shattered beyond words. I promise to take extra special care of your sister Jonti, just as I did for you.

Your journey, though filled with challenges, was also marked by immense love and care. You taught me so much about resilience and the power of compassion. Rest in peace, my sweet gentle boy. You will always hold a special place in my heart, and you will be so dearly missed. 🌈💔

If you would like to help with Rossie's vet expenses we would appreciate donations to

AMARIS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY INC:
BSB: 633000
Account number: 172206732
or
PayPal: PayPal.me/AmarisWildlife