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Animals:
Short-beaked Echidna

Have you been reading our Patient of the Week stories and ever wondered how these amazing animals are doing in their longer term recovery? We will endeavour to let you know about the progress of some of these precious animals.

Sun the Echidna Puggle

During the recent floods in Queensland, Sun a juvenile echidna (puggle) was rescued from the rough surf at Wurtulla Beach on the Sunshine Coast.

Sun had been washed out of his burrow by the rising, fast flowing waters of Currimundi Creek and carried down to the ocean. Sun was close to drowning when fortunately a good samaritan plucked him from the waves and placed a call through to the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit.

The team quickly responded bringing an exhausted Sun into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for veterinary treatment. Dr Claude examined Sun, x-rays revealed he was suffering from bloat after swallowing lots of air, but fortunately he didn't have any fractured bones. Sun was shedding quills and his little body was weak after fighting to stay afloat for so long, he was also suffering from shock.

After his initial stay in the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital's Intensive Care Unit, Sun being a juvenile, was sent to an experienced echidna rehabilitator for further care.

Carer Karen reports Sun is now doing very well; he is putting on weight and loves his meals of special echidna milk formula. The highlight of Sun's day is going for a short walk out into the garden; followed by scratching and digging around in the leaf litter. Carer Karen said Sun will be in care for roughly another two months until he is old enough to be released back to the wild.

Call the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital on 1300 369 652 for all wildlife emergencies.