“Please don’t challenge him to a boxing match," the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office wrote
Credit: Sunshine Farm – Necedah/ Debbie Marland
NEED TO KNOW
- A kangaroo named Chesney escaped from a Wisconsin petting zoo
- Authorities say the animal, who was wearing a denim diaper, is likely scared and urge the public not to approach or chase him
- Owners and officials are using drones to try to safely bring Chesney back home
A Wisconsin community is keeping its eyes peeled after an unexpected escape involving a very unusual local: a kangaroo named Chesney.
The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office shared the news in a Facebook post on Thursday, March 26, writing, “Only in Wisconsin would we wake up to ‘Have you seen this kangaroo?’” The animal had broken out of Sunshine Farm in Necedah, Wis., and was last spotted “bouncing through the area of 23rd & 9th like he’s training for the Olympics.”
Chesney, who was notably wearing a denim diaper at the time of his escape, quickly became the focus of a community-wide search. Authorities emphasized that while the situation may sound lighthearted, the animal is likely frightened.
“Most importantly, Chesney is likely scared, so please be careful with him,” the sheriff’s office wrote, adding with a touch of humor, “Please don’t challenge him to a boxing match.”
Credit: Sunshine Farm – Necedah/ Debbie Marland
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In a very 2026 twist, Chesney’s owners have turned to drone technology to help track him down. According to the sheriff’s office, the search effort even included aerial footage captured by Midwest Aerial Drone Services, showing the kangaroo hopping through the area “looking very much like he’s on his own little adventure.”
As of the latest update, Chesney remained on the loose, though officials said he appeared to be staying in the same general vicinity.
“It sounds like he’s hanging around the same general area, just keeping everyone on their toes,” the sheriff’s office shared, adding, “Here’s to hoping today’s the day he decides he’s ready to come back home.”
Credit: Sunshine Farm – Necedah/ Debbie Marland
Meanwhile, Sunshine Farm said there have been no new confirmed sightings since Chesney was last seen between 4 and 6 p.m. local time off 23rd Street. Staff members have been actively searching nearby wooded areas and trails with permission from property owners.
They also urged the public to avoid approaching the animal if he is seen.
“If you are driving around looking for him and you spot him, please know the best thing you can do is to call me… Please do not get out of your cars or call him or chase him. It will only scare him further than he must already be,” the Facebook post read.
Despite the uncertainty, the farm expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support.
“I also wanted to let all of you know that I can’t thank you enough for the support you have showed in helping Chesney return home," Sunshine Farm wrote.
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