Two members of Taronga's dedicated wildlife hospital team are currently undertaking the heartwarming task of hand-raising two of Australia's most beloved native animals – an echidna puggle and a koala joey. 

Affectionately named Gracie and Milly by their carers Vet Nurse Annii and Trainee Keeper Deb, these precious creatures arrived at Taronga's Wildlife Hospital in need of assistance. Gracie was brought to Taronga from Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve in September and Milly was brought in by a member of the public in November. 

Gracie, the koala joey, weighed a mere 175gupon her arrival in September. Under Annii's expert care, including round-the-clock hourly feeds upon arrival, Gracie has flourished and now weighs 1.29kg.  

Progressing from hourly feeds to three daily feeds, Gracie is also beginning to enjoy regular doses of fresh eucalyptus leaves as she gradually weans off milk. Once Gracie, also affectionately known as Gizmo, reaches the appropriate weight range and has been weaned completely of milk, she will be returned to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. In the meantime, she continues to capture the hearts and smiles of all Taronga staff fortunate enough to encounter her. 

Meanwhile, Trainee Keeper Deb has taken on the task of hand-raising an echidna puggle, which was admitted to the Taronga Wildlife Hospital after being found at the Cumberland State Forest. 

These heartwarming stories highlight the tireless dedication of the Taronga Wildlife Hospital team. Despite sacrificing personal commitments, including social events over the festive period, both Annii and Deb have remained steadfast in their commitment to ensuring Gracie and Milly have the best possible chance at survival. 

Taronga’s strategic priority is to increase its capacity to assist wildlife in need, which is why work is underway to build a new world-class wildlife hospital in Sydney. The new Taronga Wildlife Hospital in Sydney will increase the hospital’s capacity to hold and care for injured wildlife including turtles, koalas and platypus and other native animals by 400 percent.  

Taronga’s two Wildlife Hospitals provide vital emergency assistance to all kinds of sick and injured native animals. With your help we can provide them with the best possible care – Donate today.