The male koala named Fleet was assessed by wildlife veterinarian Dr Amber Gillett. Assessment revealed a six year old male koala who sustained injuries consistent with a slug gun. X-rays revealed seven pellets littered throughout his body; one pellet lodged in his skull, lower back and behind his ear as well as one pellet in each limb.
On Friday 14 October, Dr Amber scheduled Fleet in for surgery where three pellets were successfully removed; one from his ear and one from his front and back leg.
After five days in the Intensive Care Unit of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Dr Amber is happy with his progress.
“Fleet remains in a stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and is receiving intravenous antibiotics, fluids, and pain relief. The infection in Fleet’s foot is clearing and looking better every day, his nose is healing and he has put on approximately 200g which is a very positive sign.”
Due to overwhelming public concern already, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital has set up an Everyday Hero page for Fleet and others like him in care at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. To help Fleet please donate to the link below. www.everydayhero.com.au/event/koala
Staff at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital urge the public to call their 24-hr wildlife emergency hotline on 1300 369 652 for any wildlife emergencies.