An uplifting success story unfolded at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, as it played host to a koala family reunion.
Kandy, just four and a half months old, was brought to the Wildlife Hospital after being found alone in a paddock. As she was too young to be on her own, her discovery led to an incredible rescue effort, with a dedicated team of volunteers searching into the evening for her mother.
Whilst the exact circumstances of the separation are unclear, it is suspected that Kandy’s mother, lovingly named Eorwin, was quickly moving across the ground, potentially being chased by a dog, when Kandy came loose from her pouch.
Thankfully, Eorwin was found within 24 hours and brought to the Wildlife Hospital, where she and her joey were joyfully reunited!
Dr. Amber Gillett, Senior Veterinarian and Coordinator of Research at the Wildlife Hospital, expressed her delight at this heartwarming moment, “Reuniting Eorwin and Kandy was very successful. As soon as Kandy felt the comfort of her mother’s soft, warm pouch, she climbed in and there was no looking back!”
“Unfortunately, Kandy’s Mum, Eorwin, is no stranger to the Wildlife Hospital. She was first admitted as a joey in 2023, alongside her own mother, Arwin. Remarkably, the same rescue group that brought Eorwin in then has now helped bring in her joey, Kandy. This means that three generations of the same koala family have passed through the doors of the Wildlife Hospital!” she said.
Neither Eorwin nor Kandy sustained any injuries, and both were cleared to be released back into the wild, with sweet Kandy safely tucked back in her mother’s pouch. She will remain in the pouch until she is old enough to venture out and onto her mother’s tummy at about seven months of age. Koala joeys remain with their mothers until they are around 12 months of age.
“Eorwin was found only 100 meters from the site where she was first released with her mother, Arwin, so it is likely that Kandy’s grandmother is still out there, waiting for their return,” said Dr. Amber.
While this story has a happy ending, it also serves as a powerful reminder of the threats our native wildlife face. Our beloved pets make wonderful companions, but they can also pose a serious threat to native wildlife. In suburban areas, free-roaming cats and dogs often injure or kill vulnerable wildlife. To help protect local wildlife, please keep your pets secure or indoors, especially during the cooler hours when wildlife is most active. If your backyard includes fences, pools, or other barriers, consider adding escape routes like trees, hedges, or a pool cover to give visiting wildlife a safe way out.
Since opening in 2004, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital has treated over 148,000 animals, providing crucial care to injured and sick wildlife. As one of the world’s largest and busiest wildlife hospitals, we play a vital role in saving Australia’s native species, one life at a time.
Visitors to Australia Zoo can make a small donation and visit the Wildlife Hospital’s Sneak Peek, where they can watch the veterinarian team in action as they treat sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.
