Chesney the Kangaroo's Great Escape in Wisconsin Ends Safely After Three-Day Search
This remarkable story began when Chesney, a 16-month-old kangaroo, made an unprecedented leap over an 8ft fence at Sunshine Farm in Necedah, Wisconsin, on 28 March. The escape was triggered by stray dogs that spooked the marsupial, setting off a frantic three-day search that captivated the local community.
The Great Escape and Community Response
Debbie Marland, Chesney's keeper, described how the kangaroo scaled the enclosure after being frightened by dogs. "It was bonkers," she said, reflecting on the chaotic search that followed. Marland and friends immediately began tracking reports of sightings across the town, located approximately 160 miles northwest of Milwaukee.
The search effort became increasingly sophisticated as days passed. Searchers rented heat-seeking drones to narrow down Chesney's location, while Marland logged nearly 37,000 steps daily looking for her missing marsupial. "I haven't done so much exercise in a very long time," she admitted on Sunday.
The Search Intensifies
For three days, Chesney remained within a 3-mile radius of the farm but proved elusive. Friday proved particularly challenging when no sightings were reported all day, raising fears that he had ventured into unfamiliar territory. Stacy Brereton, a friend who helps at the farm, described the growing concern among searchers.
Then came a breakthrough on Friday night when Chesney was spotted nestled under a tree in a wooded area. Despite being surrounded by searchers, the agile kangaroo—capable of speeds up to 20 mph—managed to escape once more.
A Happy Reunion
On Saturday morning, Marland returned to the area armed with Chesney's favorite treats and materials carrying familiar scents. Just as searchers were about to give up, they spotted the distinctive long-eared kangaroo with oversized back legs approaching.
Brereton demonstrated remarkable calmness during the critical moment. "He had a very calm attitude when he walked up. Obviously you could tell he wasn't in fight-or-flight mode, so I just went with that," she explained. "I just stayed calm with him and I just kind of went and sat and let him come to me."
The strategy worked perfectly. Chesney responded to familiar voices and scents, allowing Brereton to scoop up the 40lb animal. "I do believe he heard our comforting voices, he smelled the familiar smells of home and it just made him feel safe," Brereton said, adding emotionally, "I'm just glad he loves me as much as I love him."
Aftermath and Celebrity Status
Chesney returned home tired and hungry but otherwise healthy, though he will receive a veterinary checkup shortly. His roommate Kenny—both kangaroos are named after country music star Kenny Chesney—was delighted with the reunion. The pair are among 25 animals at Sunshine Farm, which typically opens to visitors from mid-May through mid-November.
The community response has been overwhelming, with Marland noting that "the community really did come together" for the search. Chesney has become something of a local celebrity, with a fan already writing a children's book about his adventures. Marland hopes to publish the book to recoup some search costs.
To prevent future escapes, Marland plans to add a mesh top to the kangaroo enclosure. The Sunshine Farm, home to various animals including horses, sheep, alpacas, Kunekune pigs, Highland cows, and a Bactrian camel, can now return to normal operations with both kangaroos safely home.
