A baby kangaroo surprised workers at Funfields Themepark north of Melbourne when it bounded into the Lava Lagoon Lazy River for an early-morning paddle.
At a Glance
- A joey was filmed swimming in the heated lazy river before the park opened
- Staff cleaned the pool before guests arrived
- Video of the marsupial’s dip went viral on January 13, 2026
- The footage aired on CNN and drew extra visitors to the park
- Why it matters: The lighthearted moment spotlighted Australia’s wildlife and boosted local tourism buzz
Employees preparing to open the Whittlesea park spotted the unexpected visitor on January 14, 2026, according to News Of Los Angeles. The short clip shows the small roo dog-paddling through the man-made current, its ears perked above the waterline.
Park Staff React to Surprise Swimmer
A spokesperson told News.com.au the joey hopped in, swam a few strokes, then leapt back onto the deck and disappeared into nearby bushland. The brief dip left no trace; staff drained and sanitized the lazy river in time for the first guests.
Funfields later posted the video on Instagram, writing, “Our kangaroo visit has made the news in America!! So nice that so many have fallen in love with our hopping friend.”
Kangaroos Can Handle Water
While built for hopping, red and grey kangaroos can swim when necessary. Bush Heritage Australia notes the marsupials use their forepaws to dog-paddle and their powerful hind legs to push through water, usually to reach new grazing spots or escape danger.
The nonprofit’s website states: “Though they’re not exactly built for swimming, they can comfortably swim short distances if motivated enough.”
International Spotlight on Local Park
The 20-second clip aired during CNN’s morning broadcast and quickly circulated on social media, drawing attention to the 25-acre property 25 miles north of Melbourne’s central business district. Park management reported higher-than-usual attendance the following weekend as families came hoping to spot another marsupial swimmer.
Funfields features more than 20 water and land attractions. Its Lava Lagoon Lazy River meanders past landscaped gardens, footbridges and VIP cabanas before finishing over a short rapids section.
Not the First Roo in the Drink
Western Australia local Matthew Griffiths recorded a similar scene in October 2025 while walking near Mandurah Estuary Bridge. He told PerthNow he initially mistook the swimming roo for a duck until seagulls nearby made him take a second look.
“I didn’t even know kangaroos could swim until I Googled it after that,” Griffiths said.
Australia hosts five main kangaroo species, ranging from arid interior plains to coastal woodlands. Encounters near urban centers have increased as suburbs expand into traditional habitat zones.
Funfields confirmed no animals or guests were harmed during the joey’s brief pool party. Staff have since installed extra perimeter checks at dawn, though management notes the visiting roo seemed more interested in a quick cool-down than causing mischief.
