Mystery kangaroo on the loose in Austria

A KANGAROO is on the loose in Austria and has been spotted roaming in forests and meadows.

Police, who identified the animal from photos and videos that were sent to them, are attempting to find out who it belongs to.

“We have called all the zoos and kangaroo breeders around us, but no one is missing a kangaroo. We hope the owner will come forward,” a police official said. “It sounds unbelievable, but it’s true.”

Since late last week there have been numerous sightings of the animal in Hellmonsoedt, a district in the state of Upper Austria.

Police believe there is little to worry about for now – the kangaroo is a “shy animal” and “its survival chances (in the wild) are perfect”, the official said.

Kangaroos are native to Australia and people need special permission to keep them in Austria.