Tourism Australia defends caged kangaroo stunt
SYDNEY – Tourism Australia has been scrambling to defend its use of a caged kangaroo as part of a publicity stunt on the streets of Los Angeles.
A video posted on YouTube shows a kangaroo crouching on concrete in a cage in Beverly Hills in January as part of the G’Day USA promotional event.
Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd was among those condemning the stunt.
The kangaroo sways constantly, appearing distressed, and a number of animal welfare groups have also condemned its treatment.
But Tourism Australia says the kangaroo was being looked after by professional Los Angeles animal handlers and was treated well while it was on display.
“Any accusation … we take it very seriously if it’s been poorly treated,” Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy told Macquarie Radio.
McEvoy said America Humane – the USA equivalent of Australia’s RSPCA – had seen the video and had said the animal was not in distress.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements