A kangaroo which had become entrenched in mud at a rubbish tip was rescued by a digger in Queensland, Australia.

Filmed by Bundaberg Regional Council, the footage depicts the large machine arm skilfully clearing away the mud to the side of the animal in an effort to free it.

Excavator operator Tony Riley said he had many years’ experience with the machinery.

“I have had around 17 years’ experience with excavators so it wasn’t that daunting for me to have to nudge around the trapped kangaroo with the machine’s huge bucket,” Mr Riley told Perth Now.

The kangaroo eventually freed itself but rather than hopping away the animal approaches the excavator and stands alongside the machine.

The kangaroo appeared unharmed but “tired and shaken” by the experience, Waste and Recycling Coordinator Kerry Dalton told Perth Now.