Kangaroo that tasted freedom in Staten Island dies at Popcorn Park Zoo

A kangaroo brought to Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River after getting loose on Staten Island last October has died.

Foster was part of an illegal collection of offbeat pets when he ran away last October, according to the New York Post. Known then by the name Buster, he was spotted in the parking lot of an autobody shop and then hopping along Travis Avenue. He was eventually captured by the NYPD and taken to the Ocean County zoo.

Keeping a kangaroo in private home is illegal in New York City.

The kangaroo did not adjust well to his new surroundings and was diagnosed  in early December with Toxoplasmosis, a disease that is deadly to kangaroos and wallabies.

Zoo executive director John Bergmann said Foster responded well initially to treatment, but became ill again, and even after aggressive therapy died.

"He will be greatly missed. It was easy to become quickly attached to his gentle manor and loving personality," Bergmann said.