"Ken-Guru" has found a new home
The story of Harstad's iconic kangaroo
Why does Harstad have a glowing kangaroo?
Because Harstad ordered a horse. The rest is logistical magic.
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From booking error to city icon
The story began in 2022, when Harstad Sentrumsforening wanted to light up the dark hours and ordered a luminous horse for the city center.
What came, however, was definitely not a horse.
Out of the box jumped — literally — a giant glowing kangaroo.
A naming contest soon named him "Kangaroo", and the town welcomed him with open arms. Not long after, he appeared in national media from VG to NRK, becoming a beloved photo motif, a winter mascot and a brilliant symbol of Harstad's wonderful ability to make the best of the unexpected.
Ken-Guru spent his first winter as a shining Christmas guest in the middle of the town square in Harstad. Local bakeries began selling Ken-Guru gingerbread, and soon there were sweaters, bottles and all kinds of merchandise featuring the town's now famous marsupial.
The following winter, Ken-Guru returned to the city center — but fame can be tough. He was attacked several times, suffered some pretty serious “injuries,” and had to go to the “vet” more often than any kangaroo should. It soon became clear that Harstad’s cheerful mascot needed a safer home.
New home at the harbor building
This winter he has finally found it: a warm, protected place where he can shine in peace, stay out of danger and continue to charm all who visit him. Surrounded by admirers and safely housed in Havnebygget, Ken-Guru is once again the heart and glow of Harstad's winter season.
FAQ: Everything you (didn't) know you were wondering about Ken-Guru