"In September each year, Commerford has this poor guy outside in a pen for 17 days at the Big E agricultural fair in West Springfield, Massachussetts," Becker said.

"We can have extremely cold temperatures at that time of year ... I have heard folks claim that the kangaroo often seems drugged - it is usually asleep.

"I protested at the 3 County Fair last summer against Commerford ... on that long weekend, it was outrageously hot and the animals were housed and transported in metal trailers."

This weekend's protest comes after Australian Wendy Davidson discovered a kookaburra for sale in a US pet store, and "The Bring Thunder Back Down Under GoFundMe" appeal to raise $A2000 ($US1400) to buy and relocate Thunder the kookaburra. The bird was alone, confined to a small cage and sometimes dressed in tiny outfits for the amusement of customers.

There is concern from some Australian expats living in the US about the increasing number of Australian native animals being found in poor condition across that country.

Jo Irvine, an Australian social worker living in Massachussetts, said the number of native Australian animals making their way to US pet stores and privately run petting zoos is not their only concern.

"I have seen more and more exotic animals as pets recently, including a young person walking around a Pet Smart [pet store] with a pygmy possum in his shirt in the middle of winter," Ms Irvine said.

Commerford Zoo's voicemail message said the fun fair would go ahead "rain, snow or shine". Comment was being sought from the zoo.