Staff will be allowed to feed kangaroos at the tavern located inside John Forrest National Park. d481377
Camera IconStaff will be allowed to feed kangaroos at the tavern located inside John Forrest National Park. d481377 Credit: Supplied/Supplied

John Forrest Tavern staff allowed to feed visiting kangaroos again

Sarah BrookesHills Avon Valley Gazette

KANGAROOS that mill around a well-known Hills pub have been given a reprieve with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) reversing a decision banning the owners from feeding the regular guests.

For nearly two decades, staff at John Forrest Tavern fed the kangaroos special muesli as recommended by vets.

John Forrest Tavern manager Megan Braid was pleased the DBCA would grant a special licence for her and another staff member to continue feeding the kangaroos.

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“This week vets from Perth Zoo came up and checked the roos out to make sure we are feeding them the right diet and that they are healthy,” she said.

“We will be allowed to continue feeding as we have done so for years, however it will now be monitored by vets.

“We won’t be allowed to feed the kangaroos in the beer garden due to safety concerns but there will be a designated area for them to come for a feed.

“I think the DBCA saw that our situation is unique and that there is a need for it to continue.”

More than 10,000 people signed a petition protesting against the decision to stop the kangaroos from being fed at the pub, which is a popular drawcard for visitors and tourists to have a close encounter with the native animals in a bush setting.

In April, a DBCA spokesperson said park visitors and staff raised concerns over the feeding of the kangaroos.

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