Diamond Python Regurgitates Kangaroo Joey: A Rare Australian Wildlife Encounter

⚠️ Content Warning: The following post includes an image of a deceased kangaroo joey, which some readers may find distressing.

During one of my private wildlife tours on the NSW Central Coast, we witnessed a truly rare Australian wildlife encounter — one that was as unexpected as it was eye-opening. At the base of a sandstone cliff in Brisbane Water National Park, we spotted a diamond python resting quietly beside a deceased kangaroo joey. The scene was still, almost surreal, and it offered my guests a glimpse into the raw and instinctive side of nature.

The snake was calm, the joey strangely slick - as if it had only recently emerged from somewhere. It was a still, almost eerie scene, and it sparked curiosity among my guests. I took a photo and later showed to my ranger friends at Walkabout Wildlife Park.

Without hesitation, it was confirmed, “The snake’s recently regurgitated the joey.”

To better understand what we’d seen, I followed up with a reptile specialist, who explained:

“When a snake feels threatened or disturbed, it may regurgitate its meal to make a quick escape. It’s a natural defence behaviour. For a large snake like a diamond python, spitting out a joey is rare—but absolutely something they’ll do if they think they’re in danger.”

It’s likely the python had been disturbed and was now lying low, using the warmth of the rocks at the base of the cliff to rest and recover.

Moments like these, although confronting, provide a rare opportunity to understand how wildlife responds to its environment. They deepen our appreciation for the bush — not just for its beauty, but for its raw, instinctive rhythms.

The joey was most likely an eastern grey kangaroo, a species found in the region. While often elusive, eastern greys live in the bushland corridors near Avoca and throughout Brisbane Water National Park. Seeing one — even in this way — reminds us that native animals are always close by, living out their stories, often unseen.

This encounter was a quiet, sobering glimpse into nature’s reality. For my guests, it sparked a deeper curiosity and respect for the bush—proof that every tour offers something truly unique, and sometimes, unforgettable.