CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — A kangaroo will receive a valor award for rescuing a farmer who was knocked unconscious by a falling tree limb, Australia's national animal protection society said Wednesday.
Lulu, a 4-year-old eastern gray kangaroo, raised the alarm after Len Richards was knocked cold in September on his cattle ranch about 100 miles east of Melbourne.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Australia will present Lulu with the Australian Animal Valor Award next month.
"It's the first time a native animal has ever received the award," said Jenny Hodges, the society's executive officer. "Certainly the vast majority of recipients have been dogs."
Richards, 51, said he owed his life to Lulu, whom he rescued after her mother had been killed by a logging truck.
"I'd be pushing up daisies if it wasn't for Lulu," Richards said. "I'm over the moon that she's been recognized as a hero and feel privileged to have developed such a special bond with a native animal."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2004-04-28-kangaroo_x.htm
Lulu, a 4-year-old eastern gray kangaroo, raised the alarm after Len Richards was knocked cold in September on his cattle ranch about 100 miles east of Melbourne.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Australia will present Lulu with the Australian Animal Valor Award next month.
"It's the first time a native animal has ever received the award," said Jenny Hodges, the society's executive officer. "Certainly the vast majority of recipients have been dogs."
Richards, 51, said he owed his life to Lulu, whom he rescued after her mother had been killed by a logging truck.
"I'd be pushing up daisies if it wasn't for Lulu," Richards said. "I'm over the moon that she's been recognized as a hero and feel privileged to have developed such a special bond with a native animal."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2004-04-28-kangaroo_x.htm
