Kangaroos flee Czech prison, sparking a week-long search

The abilities of animals to work with people are appreciated in many aspects of life. Traditionally, one thinks of therapies using our smaller brethren or support in transport. A Czech prison employs animals to work with inmates. However, not everyone is happy with the working conditions, as two kangaroos clearly demonstrated. The mammals chose freedom.

Searching for people under collapsed buildings or avalanches, support in treatment, finding dangerous loads, transport in hard-to-reach places, companionship in daily activities - worldwide, animals are treated not only as family members or a source of food but also as human support in various aspects of life. Humanity prospers in various fields thanks to the invaluable help of dogs, cats, monkeys, horses, elephants, alpacas, and even rats.

The staff at the prison in Jiřice near Nymburk believe in the power of human-animal cooperation. The Czech town is located several dozen miles east of Prague. Inmates at the facility are divided according to the severity of the crimes committed. In the open part of the prison, animals are employed to work with prisoners to help rehabilitate them. Among the furry prison workers are both common and exotic species, including two kangaroos. The 32 inmates in the open part of the prison live in special houses designed to prepare them for their return to freedom. Meetings with animals are intended to support this process.

On Saturday, 3 August 2024, both kangaroos chose freedom, probably due to the caretakers' negligence. One of the unruly mammals returned to its quarters shortly after its escapade. The other, more daring one, decided to settle in the forests surrounding the prison. The search operation for the fugitive involved prison staff, the local community, and a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals.

The kangaroo's escape lasted exactly one week. On Saturday, 10 August 2024, the Czech prison service announced the animal's return via Instastory. According to the officers, the kangaroo voluntarily returned to the facility. A veterinarian is currently examining the animal, but as assured by the Czech prison services, the mammal is unharmed, just very hungry.