Roger (kangaroo) facts for kids
| Species | Red kangaroo |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Born | c. 2006 Northern Territory, Australia |
| Died | 8 December 2018 (aged 11–12) (death announced on this date) The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, Australia |
| Known for | Muscular physique |
Roger was a famous Australian red kangaroo known for his very strong and muscular body. He was born around 2006 and lived until 2018.
Contents
Roger's Life Story
Roger was a baby kangaroo, called a joey, when he was rescued. His mother had been hit by a car. Chris 'Brolga' Barns saved Roger and later created a special place for him.
The Kangaroo Sanctuary
Chris Barns started The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs, Australia. This large area, about 188 hectares, was made to protect Roger and other kangaroos. Roger grew up to be the strongest and most important male kangaroo, known as the alpha male, in the sanctuary for many years. He even had several mates.
Becoming Famous
Roger became famous in 2015 because of a video that went viral online. The video showed a metal bucket that Roger was said to have crushed with his powerful paws. This video showed off his amazing strength and muscular build. In 2016, it was announced that Roger was starting to suffer from arthritis, a condition that affects joints.
Roger's Passing
Roger passed away on December 8, 2018. He was about 12 years old. Many people knew him as "Ripped Roger" or the "Jacked Kangaroo" because of his muscles.
Reactions to His Death
When people heard about Roger's death, many were sad. Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia said that Roger "always brought a smile to my face." She called him a "proud strong boy." Tourism Australia, which promotes travel to Australia, also called Roger a "true icon." Roger's death was reported as being due to "old age."
