Kangaroo Becomes King of the Couch: How a Rescue Kangaroo Took Over a Family’s Living Room

When you think about wild animals becoming part of a family, you might imagine a dog or a cat—maybe even a rescued bird. But in one extraordinary home, a kangaroo named Rufus has claimed the family sofa as his personal throne, showing us just how hilarious and heartwarming life with rescued wildlife can be.

From Rescue Joey to Couch Potato

Rufus isn’t just any kangaroo. He’s a true couch king. Rescued as a young joey by Kym and Neil Haywood, owners of the Patch Kangaroo Sanctuary in Boston, Rufus quickly fell in love with one thing most humans can relate to—a comfortable sofa. After being saved at only eight months old, this kangaroo wasted no time making himself at home.

Rufus’s daily routine is simple: each night, he strolls in through the back door, flops down in his favorite spot on the family couch, and gets ready to relax in front of the TV. It’s his ritual. If you visit, you’ll be told one thing: never sit in Rufus’s spot.

Want more uplifting animal stories? Read this next:
Full Story: Man Loses 360 Pounds Naturally—Internet Rallies to Support His Next Step

A Family That Gives Wildlife a Second Chance

At the heart of Rufus’s story is the rescue and care of wildlife. Many wild animals, like kangaroos, face uncertain futures after being orphaned or injured. Sanctuaries like the Haywoods’ provide a vital service—offering safety, love, and a second chance. Rufus is a living example of what a good rescue can achieve: a healthy, happy animal who’s also a hilarious family member.

Despite Rufus’s large size, his personality is pure softness. Kym and Neil tried everything to get him off the couch at bedtime—gentle encouragement, even a bribe of grapes. Rufus? He’d gladly eat the grapes, then settle right back down, not moving an inch. The sofa became his “safe spot,” and eventually, the humans gave up fighting him for space.

Kangaroo Comfort and Quirky Couch Habits

There’s a reason why videos of Rufus have gone viral. People love to see the gentle giant gently nudge his “dad” Neil out of the way with his paws. And if you think a kangaroo might not care about television, Rufus will prove you wrong. He lounges, watches TV, and sometimes drifts into a deep, peaceful sleep.

The family has embraced Rufus’s quirks. They even cover the couch with mattress protectors for easy clean-up and let guests know Rufus’s seat is always off-limits. In fact, Rufus sometimes gets grumpy when his human parents try to share his sofa—he gently pushes them aside, claiming his rightful spot as king of the couch.

Love unique stories about animals and nature? Don’t miss:
Tammy Hembrow’s Bikini Photos Are Stirring Controversy—Here’s Why Everyone’s Talking

Lessons from a Lazy Kangaroo

Rufus’s story is more than just a cute viral video. It’s a testament to the deep bonds that can form between humans and wild animals, and the amazing things that can happen when people dedicate themselves to rescue and rehabilitation.

Wildlife isn’t always something to watch from afar. Sometimes, as with Rufus, it’s something to welcome into your home (with plenty of patience and a good sofa!). This lazy kangaroo is now a beloved part of the family—and he proves that every animal deserves a soft landing.