A trek through the Australian outback took a surreal turn when a man’s dog was placed in a headlock by a kangaroo.
The man, since identified as zookeeper Greig Tonkins, was seen to approach and then punch the kangaroo in an effort to free his hunting dog Max.
In the seconds directly afterwards the pair appear to stand and stare at each other, apparently in utter shock over what’s just happened.
Mr Tonkins’s place of work at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo said that it would “consider any appropriate action” when the clip appeared online on Monday, then on Tuesday said it had been “inundated with concern” for his well-being.
Animal right activists have been up in arms, going so far as to camp outside the his home.
A representative said: “Mr Tonkins is an experienced zookeeper and during his six years at Taronga Western Plains Zoo has always followed Taronga’s best practice approach to animal care and welfare.”
“We continue to work with Mr Tonkins on his conduct in regards to this incident.”
