Video Circulating on Social Media Appears to Show Wallaby in Co Down
A video that has been circulating on social media appears to show a kangaroo or wallaby-like creature standing in the middle of a road in Co Down. The footage shows a driver stopping at a junction where the animal is standing. The driver claims they “almost hit” the animal before it crosses over to the other side of the road. Wallabies, which are similar in appearance to kangaroos, are native to Australia and are not found in the wild in Northern Ireland.
Contrary to the claims made in the video, the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has confirmed that the footage was recorded in the Ballynahinch area. As a result, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, who have been contacted for comment. The USPCA (Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has also confirmed that they are aware of the footage.
This incident comes almost a year after a similar occurrence when the public was warned about reports of a wallaby on the loose in Co Tyrone. The escaped animal, named Winnie, was later found “safe and well” after going missing following the delivery of two baby wallabies to the Glenpark Estate in Omagh.