Kangaroo caught after being on the loose on Montreal’s South Shore
Posted June 16, 2026 7:10 pm.
Last Updated June 16, 2026 7:30 pm.
The red kangaroo that had been on the loose since Friday on Montreal’s South Shore was finally captured on Tuesday, according to Quebec’s Ministry of the Environment.
“Following a delicate operation, we can confirm that the animal has been captured. It is currently being monitored by professionals to assess its health,” said Robert Maranda, the ministry’s media relations team leader, in an email sent Tuesday evening.
Maranda added that further details would be released at a later time.
In a Facebook post Tuesday, the animal protection agency Galahad said, the kangaroo, which had earned the nickname Joey, was being taken to the zoo in Granby.
“Joey is now fast asleep and on his way to the Granby Zoo,” Galahad wrote on Facebook. “We wish him a peaceful future in a sanctuary, surrounded by other animals like him and receiving the care he needs.”
“Have a safe trip, little Joey. Thank you for raising awareness among so many people about the reality of exotic animals. We hope you finally find the safety and peace you deserve.”
Videos shot by residents, showing the animal hopping around in a field in Boucherville, have been circulating on social media since Friday.
The Ministry of the Environment stated that, according to initial information gathered, the kangaroo was “being kept illegally in facilities that did not comply with Quebec regulations” before it escaped.
Teams from the ministry, composed of veterinarians specializing in zoological medicine, animal health technicians, and wildlife protection officers, carried out this delicate capture operation.
The ministry had explained that a hasty intervention could jeopardize the capture, cause stress and unpredictable reactions, and endanger the animal’s life. It had also noted that kangaroos belong to a group of species more prone to complications following anesthesia, which is why the teams had to be well-prepared before taking action.
The Ministry of the Environment reiterated that keeping exotic animals in captivity is regulated in the province.
“In particular, it requires: obtaining a permit for certain species, such as kangaroos; facilities that are safe for both the public and the animals; and compliance with strict standards to ensure the animals’ health and well-being,” according to a press release issued by the ministry.
— With files from La Presse Canadienne
