Not all heroes wear capes — some wade into icy water to save a life.
On a bone-chilling day in Canberra, Australia, a man named David Boyd noticed something strange in the water at Lake Burley Griffin: a kangaroo, chest-deep in the freezing lake, struggling to escape.
The animal was clearly in trouble — cold, panicked, and unable to climb out. Without hesitation, two brave bystanders stepped forward and made their way into the frigid lake.
🌊 A Delicate Rescue
Knowing kangaroos can become startled — and dangerously defensive — the men moved slowly, carefully. As they reached the animal, the kangaroo flailed its arms in fear, unsure of their intentions.
But the men stayed calm. They managed to grasp its arms gently, guiding the kangaroo toward the shore.
Then, a third man stepped in, helping lift the shivering creature to dry land and keeping it still so it wouldn’t hurt itself — or them.
🤝 A Paw of Thanks
Kangaroos aren’t exactly known for being affectionate. In fact, their natural defenses include sharp claws, a boxer’s punch, and a kick that could cause serious injury.
But this kangaroo… seemed to understand something.
In a moment that had onlookers stunned, the roo reached out one paw — holding it up to one of the men, as if offering a handshake.
“Aw, he’s thanking you,” said the man filming the rescue, his voice full of emotion.
The kangaroo, though clearly shaken, stood calmly, as if silently acknowledging his rescuers.
🛡️ From Shock to Freedom
According to Daily Mail Australia, the kangaroo was in shock and needed about 30 minutes to calm down. But soon after, onlookers reported he hopped away, unharmed and back to his natural rhythm.
It’s not every day that wild animals show appreciation so clearly — but this little moment was a rare window into the quiet connection between humans and nature.
Three men didn’t think twice before jumping into freezing water.
And a kangaroo, cold and scared, took a moment to say “thank you” the only way he knew how.