Animal-lovers have run the gamut of emotions after a cute photograph of a Kangaroo was re-interpreted by experts as likely depicting a murderous necrophiliac Kangaroo.

The photograph in question, at the top of the story or here for readers on mobile devices, ran in Australian media along with commentary from photographer Evan Switzer to the effect that the larger of the three beasts was lovingly cradling the body of his fallen mate, or perhaps even lifting her head so she could see her child (at left) one last time.

But the Australian Museum quickly weighed in with another interpretation of the image, with principal research scientist Dr Mark Eldridge saying the picture shows the standing male is in a state of sexual excitement and is “trying to get a female to stand up so he can mate with her.”

Other commentators say that the male may well have been trying to mate with the female for some time and, along the way, caused the injuries that killed the animal.

Australians were therefore asked to go from “gosh, Kangaroos can be surprisingly tender” to “Male Kangaroos are violent sexual predators” within a day.

Readers will doubtless be relieved to know that The Reg's Australian staff no longer ride Kangaroos to work. Feral Camels look rather more interesting. ®