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Florida Kangaroo Escape Leads to Owner Facing Charges

A kangaroo spotted hopping through St. Cloud traffic has been captured, with its owner charged for lacking proper permits and inadequate enclosure conditions.

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This photo of the captured kangaroo was released by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The owner of the animal is being sought.
A Kangaroo was seen jumping along Old Hickory Tree Road on Monday in St. Cloud. Exotic wildlife sanctuary in St. Cloud, Amazing Animals, captured the Kangaroo on Monday from a bush off the road and is safely holding the animal at the sanctuary. (Photo courtesy of Amazing Animals CEO Brian Braitsch)
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Overview

  • The kangaroo was seen on May 5, 2025, hopping along Hickory Tree Road in St. Cloud, Florida, before being safely captured by wildlife officials.
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) located the kangaroo hiding in a thicket, chemically immobilized it, and transported it to a licensed facility.
  • The kangaroo’s owner, Bryan Steven Castro Rendon, has been charged with two misdemeanors for the escape and failure to have an active Class III wildlife permit at the time.
  • FWC determined that the owner’s enclosure did not meet state caging requirements, and the kangaroo will remain at a secure facility until upgrades are completed and re-inspected next week.
  • This incident highlights ongoing challenges with exotic animal ownership in Florida, where kangaroos are classified as Class II wildlife requiring permits and approved enclosures.