We were contacted about an injured koala in Langwarrin South. Footage showed she was severely lame and struggling to move.

When our rescuers arrived, they found her perched high in a pine tree — about five to six metres up — clearly in distress. For everyone’s safety, including mum, her joey, and our team, one of our skilled and licensed tree-climbing rescuers was called in to help.

After consulting with our vet, a light sedation was administered. Once safely reached, mum was gently secured in a marsupial bag and lowered to the ground, her joey still clinging tightly to her fur. Both were carefully placed in a crate lined with a soft towel for comfort before being transported to Healesville Sanctuary for veterinary assessment and treatment.

Despite every effort, mum’s injuries were too severe to heal, and the Healesville vets helped her pass peacefully. Her joey, thankfully, is healthy and now safe in loving foster care.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers Mel, Jacob, and Ian, our vet Dr Elaine, Wildlife Victoria volunteer Sarah, and the compassionate team at Healesville Sanctuary for their care and teamwork in ensuring the best possible outcome for this mother and joey.

Credit: Ian / Vets for Compassion