The heartbreaking story behind the viral video of a man punching a kangaroo in the face has emerged.
VIDEO Heartbreaking story behind the viral kangaroo punching video. Source: 7 News
It has been revealed the clip was taken during a dying man’s last wish to go on a boar-hunting trip with his mates.
Kailem Barwick, who passed away from cancer last week, was treated to the adventure in June on his friend’s property in Condobolin, central NSW.
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During the trip, a large kangaroo gripped one of the hunting dogs in a headlock, prompting the dog’s owner, Greig Tonkins, to intervene.
Standing toe-to-toe with the huge marsupial, Mr Tonkins threw a punch in an effort to stand his ground and stun the animal.
The hunting trip was a final wish from Kailem to experience an outdoor adventure with his buddies before he was left bedridden.
Just days before he passed away, Kailem married his girlfriend, Brandi-Lee Wadwell, in a small ceremony by his hospital bed on November 27.
“You shall be mine and I shall be yours for forever and a day. I love you,” he said in his vows during the touching ceremony.
On December 1, Kailem lost his two year battle to Ewing Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer.
The story behind the video was revealed by friend Mathew Amor, who said Kailem would have been thrilled with the response to the kangaroo standoff.
“Kailem would be looking down from up there and laughing because it was the highlight of the trip,” Mr Amor told News.com.au.
He insisted Mr Tonkins did not hit the kangaroo hard, and that there were no injuries to any person or animal.
But Mr Tonkins, an elephant keeper at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, is now under investigation from his workplace.
“Good animal welfare and the protection of Australian wildlife are of the utmost importance to Taronga,” the zoo said in a statement.
“We are working with Mr Tonkins to understand the exact circumstances of the event and will consider any appropriate action.”
The hour-long highlight reel from the trip was made into a DVD, which is now available at leading newsagents.
Kailem will be laid to rest on Thursday, surrounded by his friends, family and loving wife.