"Roo-jitsu": Former cop fends off 2m-tall kangaroo trying to drown his dog
In an unusual and somewhat comical turn of events, a former Victorian police officer, Mick Moloney, recently found himself in a rather unexpected altercation with a kangaroo while out walking his dogs near the Murray River.
The story, as bizarre as it sounds, unfolded last Sunday when Moloney's peaceful stroll took a dramatic twist, involving an agitated kangaroo, one of his beloved dogs, and an heroic rescue mission.
Moloney, a resident of Mildura, was no stranger to the area and had often enjoyed leisurely walks along the scenic Murray River with his canine companions. On this particular day, his dogs were noticeably quieter than usual as they strolled by the water's edge. It wasn't until "Hutchy", one of Moloney's dogs, went missing that he began to sense something was amiss.
Describing his dogs as "always in the water," the former policeman began to suspect that the tranquil riverbanks might be harbouring an unexpected visitor. And his suspicions were soon confirmed when he laid eyes on an agitated kangaroo standing in the river, his arms submerged, and his gaze locked onto Moloney.
What unfolded next was an extraordinary encounter between man and marsupial, captured on camera and later shared widely online. In the video, Moloney can be heard demanding that the kangaroo release Hutchy from its grip.
Despite attempts to scare the kangaroo away, the situation escalated as the roo retaliated by striking Moloney and sending his phone plunging into the water. This unexpected punch-up left Moloney with a few scratches and a sore forearm, but both he and Hutchy ultimately made it safely to the riverbank.
Moloney shared the video on his Facebook page, where it quickly went viral, garnering hundreds of shares and reactions. The bizarre incident even led to some humorous commentary, with people joking about "roo-jitsu" and the unexpected martial arts showdown with the kangaroo.
Moloney, who is a mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu teacher, emphasised that he did not intend to be cruel to the kangaroo, highlighting his love for animals. Despite the unexpected turn of events, he expressed that he has no plans to change his walking route along the river, suggesting that he and his dogs will continue using their favourite walking spot.
As Moloney playfully put it, "My tussling with roo days are pretty much done though, cause that thing was strong. Let's just call it a draw." The bizarre incident serves as a reminder that encounters with wildlife can take unexpected turns, even in the most picturesque of settings, and that sometimes, a little humour can help us cope with life's quirks and oddities.
Images: Tiktok