A Koala joey has been safely returned to the wild after a check-up at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Wildlife Hospital.

Weighing in at just 2.3 kilograms, the young female was brought to the hospital after a member of the public saw her fall an estimated six metres out of a tree near Bathurst.

It is believed that the joey was at or close to dispersal age, when marsupial youngsters leave mum to find their own territory.

Thankfully, the little koala was okay! The amazing veterinary team at the Wildlife Hospital gave her a thorough examination and found she had no fractures or injuries from the fall, and her blood tests came back clear.

The team gave her some pain relief, a drip to rehydrate, and she appeared to have a healthy appetite, munching on eucalyptus leaves soon after her arrival.

After being discharged from the Wildlife Hospital, the koala spent some time recovering and rehabilitating with a dedicated WIRES wildlife carer, before being released back into the wild.

Locals are invited to see firsthand how Taronga cares for an array of animals with previously ‘behind-the-scenes’ hospital activities now accessible to all Zoo guests. From animal check-ups to surgeries and procedures, visitors can now see it all as it takes place. Check out the schedule to see what is happening at the Wildlife Hospital at https://taronga.org.au/dubbo-zoo/must-see/wildlife-hospital

Across both its sites in Dubbo and Sydney, Taronga’s two Wildlife Hospitals receive approximately 1,500 sick, injured or orphaned native animals for treatment and rehabilitation annually.

The critical treatment and rehabilitation work of Dubbo’s Wildlife Hospital would not be possible without the support of donors and guests. Taronga is not-for-profit, meaning every dollar you spend has the Power to Protect. Whether you visit, stay overnight, donate, become a Zoo Friend or Zoo Parent, book an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience or buy a gift for a loved one, every dollar you spend helps save wildlife that come into the Wildlife Hospital.