Morning visitor has city’s emergency services on the hop

A WALLABY was spotted hopping through central Geelong yesterday morning.

Wildlife staff and at least six police officers roamed the CBD on a rescue mission, but it was to no avail.

The confused animal was reportedly hit by a car at the intersection of Garden and Myers streets.

Although hurt, it hopped away and was later seen on Fitzroy St.

The search was headed up by wildlife officers from the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning, but they were unable to find the animal.

“Most likely it has found its way back out of town,” a department spokesman said.

Rachella Thomas said she saw the wallaby hop up Myers and Fitzroy streets in East Geelong, where, frightened, it was momentarily trapped in the front yard of a house.

“We tried calling for help, but the wildlife rescuers said they couldn’t help because it wasn’t injured,” she said. “It was so scared; the poor thing.”

Shortly afterwards — about 10am — the wallaby was seen jumping northwards down Yarra St.

Onlooker Jon Motrikas said it was “weaving in and out of traffic; very disoriented”.

It skipped past McDonald’s, across Ryrie St, and was believed to have headed east on Little Malop St past the rear entry of Officeworks.

At least six police officers searched streets north of the Geelong hospital for the animal but could not find it.

Acting Sergeant Shaun Johnson said several people reported seeing the wallaby.

Another witness, Sam Hosking, said he and his girlfriend were caught by surprise by the furry visitor about 10.30am.

“(It) went past quickly so we missed a photo chance,” he said.

“Then it went towards the McKillop St and turned down there.

“Looked like it could have been heading to the Elephant and Castle for a beer!”