What to do if you find a sick or injured koala

Australia’s devastating bushfire crisis has taken a huge toll on wildlife. In New South Wales alone, an estimated 8,000 koalas have perished in the fires. As a result, people are going above and beyond to help the koalas in need.

But a wildlife shelter is now urging people to think twice before giving koalas water, after one of the rescued animals, Arnie, died after being given water in the incorrect way.

In a lengthy post on Facebook, Animalia Wildlife Shelter in Victoria explained that koalas usually get most of their water from munching on leaves (often eucalyptus), adding that when koalas take in too much water by holding up their head, the water can get into their lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia.

“With all the Facebook posts about wonderful people caring for wildlife amidst the fire and heat disasters over these past weeks, a silent tragedy is happening,” the post reads.

“Koalas are DYING because people are trying their best to help but don’t understand how a koala actually drinks.”

The wildlife shelter then goes on to share Arnie’s story.

“Arnie survived the heat wave and fires with only minor burns to his feet and hands. His burns were healing, he survived losing his mum and the loss of his home.

“He was found by some very caring people, who did what any human would do when they find a distressed animal, and offered him a drink from their bottle of water. They were just trying to help.”

The post continues: “They didn’t know that when a koala holds it head up and takes in too much water, it can easily get into their lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia, which is usually fatal. This is exactly what happened to little Arnie.”

The wildlife shelter has shared some helpful pointers on what you need to do should you find an injured koala:

• Don’t give koalas your water bottle. Instead pour some water into a bowl (or similar object) and allow the koala to slowly lap it up
• Use a blanket to retrieve the koala and take it to the nearest animal shelter
• If the koala resists, don’t try to pick it up. Take note of the koala’s position and go get help.