By. Ran
Animals have been known for their good qualities which cannot be seen in humans sometimes. In fact, while we humans have forgotten the importance of gratitude, the animals have not. Gratitude is directly related to happiness, as it boosts positivity, builds strong relationships, and improves health; it looks like animals are more grateful than us at times.
The story of Abi, the hugging kangaroo, proves that gratitude is there among animals. This cute kangaroo is the epitome of being thankful for what others do for you.
Several Youtube videos show the thirteen-year-old female kangaroo, named ‘Queen Abi’, hugging her rescuers. Abigail is one of the most affectionate and grateful animals ever rescued. Her story raises awareness about the hunting issue that orphaned numerous joeys in the Australian outback. The first thing she does in the morning is hugging those who take care of her at the Kangaroo Sanctuary located outside of Alice Springs. It provides specialized care for kangaroos, rehabilitating orphaned joeys who have been hunted down. They also help them enter the wilderness. Volunteers at the sanctuary welcomed little Abigail with open arms when she lost her mom as a few months old baby. The Kangaroo Sanctuary has 188 acres of land, a rescue center, and provides tours to visitors. Chris Brolga is the founder of the non-profit sanctuary; it was founded after realizing that the nearest wildlife rescue center and a hospital was over 1,500km away.
Image Credit & More Info: Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs | Facebook | Instagram
Abi, who has been living in the sanctuary for over a decade, has developed a special bond with her rescuers. One of the sanctuary caretakers wrote in a Facebook post back in 2013:
“Abi came to me as an orphan of 5 months old and was quite busted up with cuts and scrapes. And [she] is my only kangaroo who comes up and gives a great big rugby tackle cuddle.”
Known to have long memories, kangaroos are sometimes seen forming special relationships with their human caregivers, who usually has to have daily contact with them.
The employees and volunteers at the sanctuary are loving and caring, and Abi shows how grateful she is by hugging them.
A number of Australians believe that kangaroos are over-populated in the outback. The sale of kangaroo meat, hides, and leather is generally condoned by residents. The export of kangaroo products is a large profit-making business; it makes up to $29 million a year. It also funds over 4,000 jobs for the Oceania country. Yet, this sanctuary opposed these attitudes. After the mother is shot, the life of a joey is strongly threatened. And even if well-nurtured, many die early on.
We hope that Abi will be able to raise awareness about the issue and that they will be able to make a positive change.
