Baby kangaroo stolen from Laurel County farm, reward offered for safe return

LONDON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A baby kangaroo was stolen from a Laurel County farm, and he needs a special diet in order to survive.

In a Facebook post, Hillview Stables says someone took their 10-month-old baby kangaroo, named Scooby-Doo.

"How [could] anyone do this?" said the owner. "I don't understand."

The owner says the kangaroo has to have a special nipple for his bottle and needs to have powdered milk made for kangaroos and wallabies.

"If he is fed any other kind of milk, he will more than likely get diarrhea and die," the owner says.

Rick Gregory is the owner, and opened the farm about a decade ago.

On Tuesday, when LEX 18's Conroy Delouche went to Laurel County to speak with the owner, there were hundreds of kids on a field trip at Hillview Stables. It was a welcome distraction for Gregory, as he is desperate for Scooby-Doo to come home.

The baby kangaroo was last seen Sunday night.

"A lady walked through and as she was leaving, she took a picture at 7:08 pm (on Sunday)," said Gregory. "Angie came down to feed him at about 9:00 Monday morning, and he was gone."

The farm owners worry that if the kangaroo is not returned here soon, his life could be in danger.

"He might not be dead yet. But he won't live, I don't think, with regular milk or calf formula," said Gregory.

There is another kangaroo at the farm for kids to visit. This one is about ten years old and was raised from the same age and bottle stage that Scooby-Doo is at now. Gregory hopes to see Scooby-Doo grow up too.

"Please bring my kangaroo back," said Gregory before wiping away a tear.

Hillview Stables says they will give $500 for his safe return in good health. They will also pay $1,000 for his safe return and information that leads to the arrest of whoever took him.

If you have any information, contact Sheriff John Root or the Laurel County Sheriff's Office at (606) 864-6600.