Summary
The Unique Baby Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs
Striding through the golden twilight in Australia’s Red Centre, Chris “Brolga” Barns embodies the spirit of an outback cowboy. From his dusty hiking boots and weathered safari shirt to the wide-brimmed Akubra hat atop his six-foot, seven-inch frame, he looks ready to engage with the wilderness. However, the animals he cares for are significantly smaller and undeniably cuter.
Brolga runs the world’s only baby kangaroo sanctuary here in Alice Springs. Orphaned youngsters, or joeys, find solace in this 188-acre private nature reserve, where Brolga thoughtfully heals and hand-rears them before returning most to the wild when they’re ready to thrive on their own at 14 months old.
Over the last 15 years, the sanctuary has transformed from a mere dream into the most sought-after tourist destination in Alice Springs, attracting visitors who wish to feed, carry, and care for the adorable red kangaroos alongside this towering former zookeeper.
Meet the Joeys
“This is Katy-Lou,” Brolga says, as he hands over a pink and white pillowcase containing a tiny joey. “She’s seven months old and has been with us for a few weeks, ever since her mother was killed by traffic.” Many joeys share similar sad stories, as Brolga explains, while Katy-Lou nestles into the crook of my arm. “Their mothers are often victims of unfortunate accidents; fortunately, the joeys survive in the pouch and find their way here.”
At the sanctuary, the joeys enjoy well-insulated cots, have their own pacifiers, and receive bottle feeds four times a day alongside adorable exercise sessions outdoors, where they learn to bounce.
“Kangaroos are incredibly sociable animals, so we raise them in pairs,” Brolga explains as he demonstrates how to gently stroke Katy-Lou to coax her into a peaceful snooze. “A joey should never be alone, much like how they stay in the pouch. Therefore, we aim to replicate that nurturing closeness by pairing each joey with a buddy during their stay.”
Kangaroo Lifestyle at the Sanctuary
Katy-Lou’s buddy, Wombat, joins her in a cozy cot as Brolga leads me through the larger sanctuary area. This section houses kangaroos that are too injured or too accustomed to human interaction to thrive in the wild.
Brolga proudly shares that 99 percent of his marsupial pupils are successfully returned to their natural habitats. However, that remaining one percent, which includes nearly 60 kangaroos at present, still holds a special place in the sanctuary. As we walk through the dusky landscape, he calls out to them in a unique call, and they come bounding across in pairs, eager for affection and attention.
“They form lifelong bonds,” Brolga notes, pointing out the different duos as he hands out treats. “They may have lost their mothers, but at least they have each other now.”
Kangaroo Conservation Efforts
“Kangaroos are Australia’s most iconic animals, but they are also the most common, especially in the Red Centre,” Brolga adds. “That’s why I established this sanctuary; it’s where it’s truly needed. If you appreciate remote locations, expansive skies, and untamed landscapes, Alice Springs is incredibly alluring, and this sanctuary represents my contribution to preserving that natural beauty.”
To discover more about The Kangaroo Sanctuary or explore guided sunset tour opportunities that include a joey feeding experience, you can visit kangaroosanctuary.com. Moreover, for insights into planning your trip to Australia’s Red Centre, consider checking out northernterritory.com.
