Heartbreaking footage of severely injured koalas from the bushfires shows the devastating impact the crisis is having on one of Australia’s most loved animals.
The images were released by Port Stephens Koala, which has been caring for koalas saved from fires in Hillville, Old Bar, and Rainbow Flats on the NSW mid-north coast.
Many of the koalas suffered severe burns to their paws and noses.
While plenty are making a speedy recovery thanks to the effort of the centre’s vets – not all of them have survived.
A koala named, Lucas, was rescued from the bushfires in Old Bar and suffered burns to his feet, nose and his ears. A video was uploaded of him walking around with minimal issue
One koala named Lucas was rescued from the bushfires in Old Bar with terrible burns to his feet, nose and his ears.
But Lewis is now on the mend, with his burns starting to heal and his appetite returning.
A video was uploaded of Lucas walking around gingerly with bandages on his feet, and eating gum tree leaves.
Another koala named Sootie is being cared for after he was found during the Hillville fire on the NSW mid-north coast.
Sootie sustained severe burns to both of his paws, with the most affected areas being his soles and the skin on top of his toes.
After 17 days of extensive care and rehabilitation, Sootie has greatly improved and is back eating gum tree leaves and pellets.
The footage was released by Port Stephens Koalas, in the Hunter region of NSW. Sootie sustained severe burns to both of his paws, with the most affected areas being his soles and the skin on top of his toes
Another koala named, Flash, who was also a victim of the Hillville fire, was brought in with severe burns on his nose, around his eyes, and on the soles of his paws.
Nine days into treatment, Flash’s wounds begin to scab and heal but he was still in significant pain.
Port Stephens Koalas posted an update a few days later that showed Flash’s condition continued to improve and his burns were healing quickly.
Another koala named, Flash, who was also a victim of the Hillville fire, was brought in with severe burns on his nose, around his eyes, and on the soles of his paws. His condition has improved and his burns are healing quickly
Many of the koalas suffered severe burns to their paws and noses, with most making a speedy recovery thanks to the effort of veterinarians – but unfortunately not every koala survived.
But not every koala rescued from the bushfires has survived.
Blaze was brought in after he was badly burnt in the Rainbow Flat fires with injuries covering his entire body.
He had lost a portion of his ear and had deep burns to all hands and feet, testicles, nose and chin.
Some of the burns on his left foot were so severe that veterinarians were concerned it could have gone through to the bone.
Veterinarians tried everything they could to save Blaze, but he was put to sleep due to deterioration and increased pain.
Blaze was brought in after he was badly burnt in the Rainbow Flat fires with injuries covering his entire body. Veterinarians tried everything they could to save Blaze, but he was put to sleep due to deterioration and increased pain
Meet the brave koalas fighting for their lives with burns from deadly fires
By Charlie Moore for Daily Mail Australia
Workers at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital that looked after Lewis – a koala ho was rescued by a topless grandmother and tragically put down because of the severity of his injuries – told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday they were overwhelmed by the public’s generosity.
‘We’re working flat out here and we’re very busy with taking donations over the phone,’ one said.
‘The community has been extremely generous’.
Julie Black, of Port Stephens Koalas, described similar scenes at her sanctuary. ‘We’re actually completely inundated with clothes and towels for the koalas,’ she said.
Advising people on how best to help, she said: ‘If people want to donate the most helpful thing for them to do is to give medication or money.’
After Lewis’ death moved the world, Daily Mail Australia here charts the progress of his fellow koalas who made it out of the bushfires alive.
Peter
Peter was saved from fires at Lake Innes Nature Reserve and workers at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital said he is healing well.
He has burns to his hands and feet and 90 per cent of his body was singed.
His fur turned brown due to heat of the fires.
Peter (pictured) was saved from fires at Lake Innes Nature Reserve and workers at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital said he is healing well
Peter (pictured) has burns to his hands and feet and 90 per cent of his body was singed
‘He is eating well, and his burns are healing as we expected,’ the carers said.
In an update on Peter’s progress, workers said they have 31 koalas in the sanctuary rescued from fires.
‘It’s early days yet for most of them. We thank you all for being so supportive, kind and caring,’ they said.
Paul
Paul was the first koala saved from the Lake Innes Nature Reserve fireground near Port Macquirie.
He was found curled up on the burnt ground by a member of the public who brought him to the Koala Hospital.
Paul was severely dehydrated and had suffered burns to his hands and feet.
Paul (pictured) was the first koala saved from the Lake Innes Nature Reserve fireground near Port Macquirie
Peter (left) and Paul (right) hanging out in the Koala Hospital after they were rescued
This normally happens when a koala climbs down a burning tree to escape the flames.
His fur is also singed on 90 per cent of his body.
Workers wrapped his feet in green plasters and hope his wounds will successfully heal.
Anwen
Anwen, a young female, was also rescued from Lake Innes Nature Reserve.
She had suffered singeing to 90 per cent of her body and radiant burns to her bottom from the extreme heat of the flames.
Anwen also has burns to the pads on her hands and feet, probably from climbing burnt trees.
Anwen (pictured), a young female, was also rescued from Lake Innes Nature Reserve
Workers at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital say she is recovering really well and is especially enjoying the hospital food.
‘Anwen has accepted the five star service at the Koala Hospital really well and loves the daily delivery of fresh leaf,’ workers said.
Staff also said Anwen has also found a ‘perfect spot’ to sit down in the ward and this has become known as ‘Anwens spot’.
Blaze
Blaze was pulled from the flames in Taree and has been recovering at Port Stephens Koalas where workers say he is a ‘treasure to care for.’
He suffered horrific burns to his hands feet, testicles and face.
Blaze (pictured) was pulled from the flames in Taree and has been recovering at Port Stephens Koalas where workers say he is a ‘treasure to care for.’
Blaze was being treated with a saline drip three times a day and nebulizer to help his throat, nasal passages and lung tissue heal.
He had to be put to sleep due to deterioration and increased pain
Sootie
Sootie was rescued from fires in Taree and taken to Port Stephens Koalas.
He is suffering from severe burns and is on a ‘long and difficult’ road to recovery.
Sooty (pictured) was rescued from fires in Taree and taken to Port Stephens Koalas
Workers at the centre remained hopeful that he will survive.
They said: ‘The koalas will be offered round the clock care and attention by PSK’s wonderful team of home carers and volunteers.
‘We must all pull together during these disasters and do all we can to preserve and protect our precious koala population.’
