No, Delaware prohibits private ownership of kangaroos under the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s exotic animal regulations, classifying them as Class II wildlife requiring permits denied to individuals.
Key Regulations for Owning a Kangaroo in Delaware
- Permit Denial: The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) explicitly denies permits for kangaroo ownership under 7 DE Admin. Code § 3903, citing ecological and public safety risks.
- Class II Wildlife Restrictions: Kangaroos fall under Class II, which permits only licensed facilities (e.g., zoos) to hold them; private ownership is barred regardless of source.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: Recent amendments to the Delaware Exotic Wildlife Regulations (effective 2026) tighten enforcement, requiring annual inspections for permitted facilities and criminalizing unauthorized possession.
Violations incur penalties up to $1,000 under 3 Del. C. § 710, with confiscation mandatory. The DFW’s 2024 guidance further clarifies that even temporary custody (e.g., fostering) triggers enforcement. Prospective owners must consult the DFW’s Wildlife Section for exemptions, which are virtually nonexistent for kangaroos.