Roosta the Orphaned Kangaroo Joey Celebrates His First Birthday
There is a very special birthday being celebrated at the Australian Reptile Park, with Roosta the kangaroo joey turning one after an incredible first year of life.
Once a tiny joey fighting for survival, Roosta has grown into a lively, curious and much-loved young kangaroo under the care of Australian Reptile Park Operations Manager Brandon Gifford.
Roosta’s journey began when he was thrown from his mother’s pouch at a very young age. While it may sound shocking, this is a natural behaviour that can happen in the wild. Without intervention, Roosta would not have survived.
The Australian Reptile Park was able to capture rare footage of Roosta as a tiny jelly bean joey, making the incredible journey from his mother’s cloaca into her pouch before he was later thrown. From that fragile beginning, Roosta has come a very long way.
“Roosta was so tiny when he came into care, and every day with him has been a milestone,” said Brandon Gifford, Operations Manager at the Australian Reptile Park. “To see him reach his first birthday is incredibly special. He has had a huge impact on everyone who has followed his journey.”
Roosta’s story has not only captured the hearts of keepers at the Park, but people all over the world. Videos posted to Brandon’s social media pages have reached more than 80 million views, with one of his most famous clips showing Roosta playfully “boxing” with Brandon.
The adorable behaviour is a natural kangaroo instinct, but Roosta’s tiny size and big attitude quickly made him an internet favourite.
“He might be small, but he has a huge personality,” Brandon said.
To celebrate his first birthday, keepers created a special cake made from some of Roosta’s favourite foods, including carrot, grass, broccoli, dandelion and lettuce. The milestone was a chance for the team to celebrate just how far the young kangaroo has come.
Roosta is now thriving in Brandon’s care and will soon begin the next stage of his journey as he transitions into the kangaroo area at the Park. In time, he will join the other kangaroos, but for now, he remains close to Brandon as he continues to grow, gain confidence and prepare for life in the mob.
The Australian Reptile Park is inviting everyone to wish this little Aussie battler a very happy first birthday.