Lexi’s back in the wild after injury

A wildlife hospital has successfully treated and released a koala back into nature.

Lexi the koala had a hip injury, Ballarat Wildlife Hospital veterinary director Adrienne Lavinia said, likely due to a vehicle collision.

The koala was rescued from the roadside in Buninyong in late-April because she was observed acting abnormally.

Lavinia said Lexi remained in intensive care until she began to show clinical signs of recovery.

“She was treated in hospital and once she had improved enough, commenced her rehabilitation phase with Shanhaven Shelter,” Lavinia said.

“Moving outdoors onto elevated perching designed to encourage her natural behaviours and improved physical conditioning.”

Lexi was released last month. She was fitted with a radio collar so the hospital’s research team could monitor her progress.

Lavinia said it was important to report injured wildlife and help them receive treatment.

“Without intervention wildlife can suffer needlessly,” she said.

“For instance, a koala with a broken leg or a wedge-tailed eagle with a broken wing is unlikely to ever climb properly or fly again without veterinary intervention.

“Early intervention gives wildlife the best chance of survival.”

She said koalas crossing the road that are hit by vehicles will try to move away and up a tree.

“If not reported fast enough, it can be difficult to find them,” she said.

“Taking days for rescuers after which time their injures are too severe to be treated or they are found deceased having made it a few hundred metres from where they were hit.”

Hospital director Nikki Shanahan wanted to thank resident Lexie Nunn for alerting them about the koala. She also wanted to thank tree climber Rob and rescuer Jen.