The surprising story of kangaroos living near Paris

Dozens of kangaroos are found in the Rambouillet forest after 7 specimens donated to the keeper of a small zoo nearby managed to escape and reproduce

A few miles from Paris, the Rambouillet Forest harbors an unlikely and intriguing secret: a colony of kangaroos. It’s surreal to imagine these Australian animals thriving among the oaks and pines of a French forest, but their story is just one of the most remarkable examples of adaptation and unpredictability that nature can offer.

How it all began

The story takes it back to the 1970s when the Basel Zoo’s director donated seven kangaroos to his friend in charge of a small zoological park in Emancé, near the forest. In truth, the management was far from severe. The animals, never recorded and rarely looked after, simply broke out into the Rambouillet Forest nearby.

Thanks to favorable climatic conditions and abundant nutrition, the kangaroos not only survived but also reproduced, forming a stable and thriving population. Nowadays, these unusual marsupials are occasionally spotted by visitors and local residents, which stirs curiosity and amazement.

Monitored as a non-native species

However, their presence is not without consequences. As a non-native species, kangaroos pose a potential threat to the local ecosystem, potentially disrupting native flora and fauna. For this reason, forest authorities, along with wildlife experts, continuously monitor the population to prevent ecological imbalances.

Despite the risks, Rambouillet’s kangaroos have become quite a sensation. To see animals adapt so readily to a far-from-natural environment is a jarring reflection of animal hardiness. Their case has brought attention to at least two valuable issues: exotic wildlife management and environmental impact caused by invasive species.

For those who would like to have a very special experience, visiting the Rambouillet Forest means the opportunity to see these amazing animals in their natural environment. It is, however, important to respect the rules of the reserve and not approach them too closely to avoid any accidents, either for the kangaroos or for the visitors.

The story of the Rambouillet Forest kangaroos is a reminder of nature’s unpredictability and wonder, and how important the role of humans is in maintaining ecological balance.