Oscar-shortlisted documentary 'Chasing Roo' highlights kangaroo culling in Australia

The documentary "Chasing Roo," shortlisted for an Oscar, highlights the mass culling of kangaroos in Australia, where millions are killed annually, including many females with joeys. The film explores the complex relationship between hunters and the kangaroos they harvest. Directed by Skye Fitzgerald, the film presents perspectives from both wildlife caregivers and hunters, emphasizing the economic struggles of communities reliant on kangaroo hunting. It raises ethical questions about the sustainability of the culling and its impact on kangaroo populations. In 2024, the Australian government estimated a kangaroo population of 35.3 million and authorized a cull of nearly 5 million. The film suggests that hunting practices are altering the gene pool, resulting in smaller kangaroos as larger males are targeted.