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A Pet Kangaroo Got Lost in Texas

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  December 23rd, 2024

There are always so many stories about missing dogs, cats, and even birds, but one thing you don’t hear about is missing kangaroos. Well, it turns out that a pet kangaroo did get lost, and his owners are desperate to find him.

LCAT Productions/Shutterstock

Rowdy the Kangaroo Ran Off


Rowdy is a 3-year-old pet kangaroo who lives with his family in Austin County, Texas. Marsha Matus, his owner, has been extremely worried about him since he escaped their yard and went missing. She knows he’s frightened without her, and she is hoping he’ll be found and returned safely.


How did a 5-foot-tall kangaroo go missing? He pushed a gate open and then hopped over a perimeter fence before running off. The good news is he has been seen since he ran away. Dana Tyson, a radio DJ, said that she saw him jump in front of her car while she was on her way to work.  


The Search for the Beloved Pet Kangaroo Continues


Matus says Rowdy isn’t a typical kangaroo; instead, he’s their dear family pet. He lives with two other kangaroos named Daphne and Rocky. Of course, because he’s a pet, he won’t know what to do or where to go, and there is a chance that he’ll end up getting hurt.  


The family has been looking for Rowdy, and used their drone to try to make it easier to spot him. A stranger even offered his drone with thermal imaging to help with the search.


Kangaroos are nocturnal, so Rowdy typically rests during the day. Matus is asking everyone in the area to keep that in mind as they keep an eye out for him. She also posted on her Facebook page to provide updates and ask for assistance.


Matus has reassured everyone that Rowdy won’t cause any harm to people or pets, and he even goes to her when he hears her voice. Because he won’t approach strangers, if anyone sees him, they should contact her or the authorities.  


Hopefully, with everyone’s help, Rowdy will return home very soon.   


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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