In a remarkable escape that captured the attention and hearts of a small Wisconsin community, Chesney, a 16-month-old kangaroo, made headlines after leaping over an eight-foot fence to break free from Sunshine Farm, a petting zoo located in Necedah. This unusual event set off a three-day search involving the kangaroo's keeper, local volunteers, and even the use of heat-seeking drones, culminating in a safe and heartwarming reunion.
The incident occurred last Wednesday around 11:15 a.m. at Sunshine Farm, which is home to 25 animals including horses, sheep, alpacas, Kunekune pigs, Highland cows, and a Bactrian camel. Chesney and his companion Kenny-both named after country music star Kenny Chesney-are well-known fixtures at the farm. The farm itself operates seasonally, generally opening Fridays through Sundays from mid-May through mid-November, offering visitors interactive tours.
The escape was triggered when a group of stray dogs suddenly rushed at the kangaroo enclosure, frightening Chesney and causing him to make the impressive leap over the high fence. According to Debbie Marland, Chesney's keeper, the dogs' unexpected arrival startled the young kangaroo, prompting his daring flight. Once free, Chesney remained within roughly a three-mile (five-kilometer) radius of the farm, but his movements kept his pursuers guessing.
The search effort quickly escalated as Marland and a team of volunteers scoured the area, following various reports of sightings. The group even enlisted the help of Colton Johnson, owner of Midwest Aerial Drone Services, who specializes in using heat-sensing drones to track animals. Johnson has previously helped hunters recover deer and reunite lost dogs with their owners, and added Chesney to his list of successful rescues.
Johnson described seeing Chesney's heat signature on the drone footage as something out of the ordinary. "It almost looked like a dinosaur running through the woods," he said, referring to the kangaroo's long tail and distinctive hopping movement that made the footage unique compared to other animals he had tracked. Despite encountering Chesney on Wednesday and Thursday nights, the kangaroo's agility and wariness allowed him to slip away multiple times. On one occasion, Chesney even jumped into a cold river, which caused Johnson to lose the heat signal on the drone.
By Friday, the searchers faced mounting concerns. Stacy Brereton, a regular helper at the farm and a close friend of Marland, described the day as particularly difficult. There were no confirmed sightings, and fears grew that Chesney might have ventured farther into unfamiliar terrain. However, hope was renewed that evening when Chesney was spotted resting under a tree in a wooded area. A group of searchers cautiously surrounded him, but Chesney's speed-capable of reaching 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour)-enabled him to evade capture once again.
The following morning brought a breakthrough. Marland returned to the search site carrying Chesney's favorite treats and items carrying the scent of both Chesney and Kenny, hoping these familiar cues would coax him out. Along with other searchers, she prepared to leave after a fruitless search, when Chesney surprisingly approached them. Unlike previous encounters, the kangaroo seemed calm and unafraid.
Brereton recounted the moment: "He had a very calm attitude when he walked up, obviously you could tell he wasn't in fight-or-flight mode, so I just went with that." She remained still and let Chesney come to her, eventually scooping up the 40-pound (18-kilogram) animal. Brereton believed that the comforting voices and familiar scents reassured Chesney, making him feel safe enough to approach. "I'm just glad he loves me as much as I love him," she said.
Marland expressed gratitude for the community's effort and support during the search. "The community really did come together," she said, noting that Chesney had become something of a local celebrity. Inspired by the kangaroo's adventure, a Sunshine Farm fan has written a children's book about Chesney's escapades, which Marland hopes to publish as a way to help cover the costs incurred during the search.
Back at the farm, Kenny was happy to be reunited with his marsupial housemate. While Chesney was understandably tired and hungry after his days on the run, he was otherwise healthy. A veterinary checkup is planned to ensure his well-being. To prevent any future escapes, Marland announced plans to install a new mesh top over the kangaroo enclosure, making it more secure and discouraging any more high-jumping attempts.
Chesney's escape and eventual recovery highlight not only the surprising agility and instincts of kangaroos but also the dedication and compassion of a community coming together to protect one of their own. From the use of innovative drone technology to the patient, calm approach of his rescuers, Chesney's story is a testament to the bond between humans and animals, and the lengths to which people will go to ensure the safety of their beloved creatures. With Sunshine Farm back to normal operations, the tale of Chesney's great escape is sure to become a cherished local legend for years to come.