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Half-Blind Kangaroo Saves Life
Of Unconscious Man
Sherry Morse
A farmer who suffered serious head injuries after being struck by a falling tree branch was rescued by a partially blind kangaroo who is being hailed as a hero.
Lulu the kangaroo banged on the door of the family's home in Morwell, Gippsland in southeast Australia after discovering the farmer lying unconscious in a field.
According to Rural Ambulance Victoria paramedic Eddie Wright, the man had been checking his property for damage following a severe storm when he was struck by the branch.
Wright said that if Len Richards' family had not found him so quickly, he might have died.
"The kangaroo alerted them to where he was and went and sat down next to him, and that's how they found him," he said.
Richards was taken to an Austin hospital.
Richards' daughter Celeste said, "Lulu and Dad are very close and she follows him around, but we all just love her so much."
About ten years ago, the family found Lulu in the pouch of her mother who had been killed by a car. The authorities allowed them to care for Lulu and adopt her because she is missing one eye.
The Australian Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has urged the family to nominate Lulu for its National Bravery Award.
"From my point of view, it's a darn good story, and I would hope Lulu is nominated," said RSCPA president Dr. Hugh Wirth.
This News Report has been provided by the
Animal News Center, Inc. ©2003
Animal News Center, Inc. http://www.anc.org