A koala is in care at Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter after being rescued from a tree.
Photo by
Supplied
A koala and her tiny joey are recovering at Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter after a harrowing rescue from a tree where the mum had been trapped for several days with a severe arm injury.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
On Tuesday, May 5, the team at Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter received a call from Cobram Veterinary Clinic requesting urgent assistance for a koala brought in by a member of the public.
Shelter owner Kylee Donkers said the koala had been found between Koonoomoo and Bearii, hanging by her right arm from a tree, believed to have been trapped for at least three days.
“A lady had been walking each day and noticed this koala in the same spot in a tree. She didn’t realise that the koala was stuck, and by day three she thought it was a bit strange that it hadn’t moved,” Kylee said.
A young joey, weighing only 100 grams, was found in the pouch of a rescued koala.
Photo by
Supplied
“She mentioned it to this gentleman, who immediately took it upon himself to rescue her and rush her straight to the vet.”
Kylee said it was great that the man acted quickly but wanted to remind the public that if you find an animal entangled it was best to call a wildlife person for advice.
The koala was immediately sedated for X-rays, which showed no fractures or breaks. However, she suffered significant soft tissue damage and severe swelling.
Kylee said the koala was “quite vicious” when she examined her.
The koala was sedated after being rescued.
Photo by
Supplied
“I had a funny feeling that she had a joey on board because of how she was behaving,” she said.
That suspicion was confirmed when Kylee discovered a tiny joey safely tucked inside her pouch.
“On arrival this precious little pinky weighed only 100 grams, but now bub weighs 120g, making her about 105 days old — just over three months,” she said.
“We suspect bub may actually be slightly older, but because of the trauma mum has endured, development appears a little behind.”
The rescued koala, yet to be named, enjoying fresh gum leaves.
Photo by
Supplied
Kylee said the mother was also “extremely dehydrated” and had likely gone several days without food or water as she couldn’t reach anything.
After being admitted, the koala was monitored around the clock as swelling gradually reduced. However, on day 10, a wound began to appear.
“Sadly, due to the strangulation injury from the entanglement, a large amount of skin and tissue around her arm began to die away — something we see far too often in these heartbreaking cases,” Kylee said.
“Since then she has undergone daily wound treatment, debriding of necrotic tissue, dressing changes, antibiotics and ongoing pain relief.”
Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter is seeking donations to support the recovery of a rescued koala and her joey.
Photo by
Supplied
The shelter is now calling for community support to assist with the ongoing care of both mother and joey.
“Your support goes directly towards fresh gum leaf collection, medical treatment and medications, daily wound care and dressings,” Kylee said.
“Even if people have got beautiful little gum plantations on their property, they’re happy for us to come and collect, that helps too.
“So far, they are both continuing to fight, and we are keeping everything crossed that this brave little family continues heading in the right direction.”
