SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Feb. 11, 2016 (UPI) — The Utah Red Cross said it will bestow an Everyday Heroes honor on a very special veterans home volunteer — a 1-year-old kangaroo.
The red cross said Charlie, a 1-year-old kangaroo weighing about 30 pounds, will be honored March 31 for his work at the William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake City Veterans Home.
“He is an amazing therapy pet that allows the residents to laugh and share the joy of having him visit,” Noralyn Kahn, an administrator at the home, told KTVX-TV. “A secondary benefit is that children aren’t as afraid to come see grandma and grandpa because they can come see Charlie too so it’s all positive.”
Rich Woodruff, a representative for the Utah Red Cross, said the organization only recently added an animal category to its Everyday Heroes program.
Kahn said Charlie won’t be able to live in the home for much longer, as red kangaroos grow quickly and he will soon reach 125 pounds and 5 feet, 2 inches tall.
