January 2010
20 January 2010
On Tuesday, January 19, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors - Australian Wildlife Hospital received a koala joey that presented very quiet, thin, and dehydrated with difficulty breathing. Immediate assessment revealed that he required further investigation.
The joey was quickly anaesthetized and assessed by one of the vets at the Australian Wildlife Hospital. He was found to be significantly underweight, dehydrated and had considerable respiratory problems requiring intubation and assisted ventilation.
After emergency stabilisation, x-rays were taken. These revealed, unbelievably, two slug gun pellets in his body, one located in the chest and one in the abdomen.
With significant internal blood loss associated with his injuries he also required an immediate blood transfusion.
The joey, named Doug after his rescuer, will require surgery to remove the pellets and repair the associated damage once his condition stabilizes. He is currently receiving intravenous antibiotics, fluids, supplemental oxygen, and pain relief. His situation is still critical.
Doug's mother, named Meryl, was also brought in to the Australian Wildlife Hospital. She was given a full assessment upon arrival, including full body x-rays, which revealed a slug pellet, identical to the ones found in the joey, located in her right leg.
Surgery has been performed on Meryl to remove the pellet and her condition is currently stable.
Gail Gipp, General Manager at the Australian Wildlife Hospital, assures the public that everything possible will be done to provide them with the best veterinary care.
"Whilst Meryl's condition is not life threatening her infant Doug is in a critical condition and will require intensive monitoring and care in the coming days," Gail said.
"We are stunned to see this kind of animal cruelty. It is extremely sad that somebody would want to shoot a koala, especially when their population is already in serious decline."
The Department of Environment and Resource Management is investigating the incident. Anyone with information should call DERM on 1300 130 372, or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
It's against the law to harm koalas - the maximum penalty is $300,000 or two years imprisonment.
Staff at the Australian Wildlife Hospital urge the public to call their emergency wildlife phone on 1300 369 652 for all wildlife emergencies.
6 Zoo Comments
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gabby 8th March 2010 06:43:30 AEST
Poor little thing!!!!!
Annie M 31st January 2010 05:04:47 AEST
It's a shame, but a miracle that the Australian Wildlife Hospital is there to give this little guy, Doug and his mum, Meryl, a fighting chance. Hooray to the animal lover who found them and brought them here to get help. Anyone who would harm one of these beautiful creatures doesn't deserve mention.
SJ 25th January 2010 06:44:16 AEST
Miracles are not limited to just humans, they can fall upon animals alkie. All the best to those who are woking on these beautiful creatures ,vets and keepers too.
. . Prayers to you all and to our little koala .
Danielle 21st January 2010 14:11:48 AEST
Thats horrible that someone would do that.I raised money for the koalas because their numbers are decresing and things like this wont help them. Hope they get better and healthy once again, poor things.
Andrea Lawless 20th January 2010 23:47:09 AEST
There are some really cruel people out there. The poor thing. I love koalas and my thoughts and prayers are with joey Doug. Please keep us posted on Doug's condition.
Rev. Ericka Shimkonis 20th January 2010 14:32:02 AEST
My prayers are with Doug & Meryl & all of the animals! I don't understand how anybody could be so cruel & evil to hurt these Fur Children! )O( I dedicate my life to speak for the animals! GO VEGAN!