Sixty kangaroos were then sterilized as part of a study into population control methods.
(Related: "Birth Control for Kangaroos: Scientists' Population Control Plan" [September 6, 2006].)
But "the fertility program is not advanced enough to give on a large-scale basis," and it wouldn't solve the immediate problem at hand, Cooper said.
Experts advised Cooper that moving the kangaroos would be too stressful: Some kangaroos may die during the move as they wake and try to bolt.
In the end the scientists concluded that culling was the more humane option.
Harsh Reality
The preferred method of killing a 'roo is a shot to the head. Hunters must have a license and undergo target training.
Some 3 to 4 million of Australia's estimated 30 to 50 million kangaroos are killed this way each year, either for meat, or to a lesser extent, as pest control in agricultural rangelands.
However, because of the Canberra mob's proximity to residential areas and public safety concerns, the Australian police ruled that those animals cannot be shot.
Cooper has recommended that they instead be darted with tranquilizers, euthanized, and buried off site.
Opposition
Animal welfare groups are opposed to the cull.
"We believe there's an overpopulation problem [at this site]," said Greg Tarlinton, vice president of Wildcare New South Wales, a wildlife rescue group.
"We're not really arguing with that—just that there are other methods of control," he said.
"Obviously, we're concerned about the endangered species and the grassland itself. There just seems to be a goal to kill these kangaroos no matter what. I'm very disappointed."
Tarlinton said that while the most dangerous part of the process is darting the kangaroos, when done carefully and with experienced people, relocation isn't harmful.
He added it is the preferred method throughout Australia for dealing with kangaroos.
"Most other states are moving forward, whereas ACT is moving backward," he said.
Pat O'Brien, president of the late wildlife enthusiast Steve Irwin's Wildcare Protection Association in Queensland, is also averse to the cull.
"Not only do we think it's inhumane; we think it's totally unnecessary," he said.
"Killing them sends the wrong message to the world."
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