Today is World Animal Day, and to mark this special occasion, here’s a heartwarming tale about the rescue of Luke the Koala joey by the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.
Backed by TreadRight, AAT Kings and Inspiring Journeys, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital has treated over 2,300 koalas since 2014.
Recently, the Australia Zoo rescue team received a call about a tragic accident involving a deceased female koala who had been hit several hours earlier.
The workers did a double-take when they caught a glimpse of life, from her large and active pouch, a sure sign that a tiny koala survived the accident. They were quick to call in the wildlife experts.
Richie and Renee, the team with the know-how, rushed to the scene and wrapped a blanket around the mother and cradled her in his arms.
From the pouch, a tiny, furred arm reached out to say hello. It was nothing short of a miracle.
Back at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, the veterinary team placed the mother on the treatment table and carefully freed the joey from the pouch – a tiny boy, Luke, only three months of age and now with a second chance at life in the wild.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is at the forefront of koala research and conservation. AAT guests can experience it and be educated on the 4-day short break Brisbane & Australia Zoo.
In NZ, AAT Kings and Inspiring Journeys have partnered with Rainbow Springs to contribute to the Kiwi Breeding Program in Rotorua to hatch and raise chicks, perform health checks and daily monitoring.
Guests will experience a behind the scenes guided tour including the kiwi encounter where you can see the hatchery and the kiwi breeding program in action.