Authorities are urging people who come across wild animals, who appear to be in distress, to leave them alone and instead call in professionals for help.
“The best thing people can do is to call a ranger on 13 22 81.”
That’s the official advice from the ACT Parks and Conservation service after a video, which captured a man stripping off and jumping into Lake Burley Griffin to help rescue a freezing Kanagroo, did the rounds on social media on Monday.
It’s the second time such a moment has been caught on camera in the Nation’s Capital this year.
In September, two men were also captured knee deep in the lake after a roo had found itself in the water near Regatta Point.
ACT Parks and Conservation Director, Daniel Iglesias said, while it’s not a common sighting in the city, Kangaroo’s are actually known to seek water for safety.
“Most commonly, they’re trying to avoid dogs, so if people are running dogs off lead around the lake, often they will chase a Kangaroo and roo’s will often take to the water to get away from predators.”
“To go in after them is really a risky proposition and we wouldn’t suggest people do it.”
If you see an animal in distress you can contact an ACT Parks ranger on 13 22 81.
