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Patient of the Week - Mercy, Hope and Courage, Ringtail Possums
Tragically last week, bushfires claimed the lives of many native animals, from koalas, wallabies, possums to bandicoots, carpet pythons, antechinus and many other native species. After seeing such devastation first hand, it was heart-warming to find animals that had survived and know that the dedicated vets and nurses at the Australian Wildlife Hospital were there to help them.
Thursday night after one of the bushfires had died down, wildlife rescuers searched for over three hours. However with the increasing limited visibility due to nightfall and smoke haze, a decision was made to resume the search at first light.
The next morning, against the blackened earth, ginger fur stood out like a beacon guiding one rescuer to an injured female Ringtail possum. The traumatised possum allowed the rescuer to gently wrap her in a towel and check her burnt body. Mercy, as she was then named, lifted her burnt face and looked up with big sad brown eyes, the rescuer told her in between sobs that she was safe now and help was coming for her and her babies. The rescuer could not even begin to imagine the terror this beautiful girl had experienced.
While Mercy was under aesthetic having her burns treated by Dr Amber, there was much excitement as a pouch check revealed both male joeys were uninjured. The twins named Hope and Courage were found to be OK with no burns or smoke inhalation. Somehow Mercy had managed to flee the flames and not drop either of her joeys from her bulging pouch. Mercy has burns to all feet and her face, but Dr Amber is confident long-term she will make a full recovery and return to the wild along with her boys.
Call the Australian Wildlife Hospital on 1300 369 652 for all wildlife emergencies.
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Contact Wildlife Warriors
1300 369 652
(07) 5436 2097
www.wildlifewarriors.org.au
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