When Australia had a period of catastrophic bushfires in late 2019, a poor little koala got stuck in the flames. The koala was sadly one of many animals affected by the wildfires, which scorched about 10.3 million hectares (103,000 square feet) of land.
Sadly, the country’s koala population was extremely devastated as well.
Koalas received much-needed support from sanctuaries, animal hospitals, and general members of the public.
Distressed and burned koalas were rescued by amazing people like workers and volunteers.
We all know that it is not an easy job and it takes commitment. The staff from Koala Hospital Port Macquarie are among these people who are willing to do everything just to maintain the population of koalas especially in times like this. Even dogs were there to rescue these cute little animals.
In rescue operations like these, detection dogs are being used. They have big involvement as they go through the fire’s path to search for people or animals that may need help.
Keli, a young dog, was able to save a tiny koala.
The koala was in a very poor state when it was found. When he was brought to Koala Hospital Port Macquarie, he weighed 275 grams.
He was also suffering from a severe fungal infection. I can’t imagine what this creature had to go through while having that condition amidst the calamity. He had to face that all on his own before he was saved by Keli.
Thankfully, he still made it despite having that terrible situation.
The tiny koala was named Keli, which is after his hero dog who found him. His story was shared on Facebook garnering more than 36,000 likes.
“Just a brighter moment in all the tragedy in Australia at the moment we wanted to share something good. Meet Koala Street Keli who was found abandoned on the ground on 8th September 2019, in very poor shape with a fungal infection and only weighing 275 grams.”
They also shared Keli’s improvements during his stay in that hospital. His weight has increased, he has regained his fur, and has recovered from his fungal infection.
“Look at Keli today a whopping 1 kg in weight, the fungal infection has gone and all his fur is regrowing. its still early days yet, we will get very excited when he makes 2.5 kg and its time for him to come into the ‘dehumanising trees ‘ in preparation for release back to the wild. Release will not happen until the cooler months, and thankfully there is still some good habitat left in selected locations.”
Many people are happy about his recovery. Most of them also wish that many animals will be saved from suffering.
“Aww little bubbie! So glad he has such wonderful people to take care of him. Looking much better. Get well soon little mate,” one commenter wrote.
Another commenter expressed her appreciation for the hospital’s efforts to save Keli and his fellow koalas.
“Went there the other day. This place is small but mighty. They are doing so much for the bush koalas. They have been overwhelmed with stricken koalas. But they are doing a marvelous job of taking care and saving as many as they can.”
Koala Hospital Port Macquarie deserves all these kind words that they’ve been getting. They have saved numerous koalas and changed their lives in many ways.
Thankfully, Keli recovered from his ordeal, and the hospital announced that they were putting him in their pre-release yards, where he would no longer have contact with humans. In the yard, he’ll be able to learn how to be a wild koala. Once he’s ready, rescuers will release him back to the wild.
We’re so glad Keli recovered from his ordeal! Check out a video about another rescue koala below.
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