14 December 2010
It has been over a month since Frodo the female koala joey came into care at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital after a member of the public at Jimna near Kenilworth contacted the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit reporting an injured koala joey on Friday 5 November.
The koala joey was transported to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital where wildlife veterinarian Dr Amber Gillett was waiting to assess the youngster. Assessment revealed the joey had sustained a fractured skull and significant damage to the stomach and intestines as result of being shot with what appears to be the spray of a shot gun. X-rays revealed approximately 15 pellets scattered throughout her body.
One month later and Frodo has overcome horrific injuries sustained by pellets lodged in her body to amaze staff at the hospital, including Dr Amber.
"I am very happy with Frodo's progress; she now weighs a healthy 2.36kg. Since being in care at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital she has gained 400 grams which is a great indicator of how well she is doing," Dr Amber said.
Dr Amber carried out a veterinary assessment on Frodo on Thursday 9 December to check for any changes to her lead levels, location of the remaining pellets and an overall progress check on her body.
Frodo still has a long way to go until being released back into the wild. Sustaining these injuries at such a young age and being an orphan makes the road to recovery tougher.
Lead toxicity from some of the pellets remaining in her intestinal tract will still be monitored.
"The pellets in her stomach and intestines seem to be moving around but have not been expelled, and may never be. I will continue to monitor the lead levels in her blood but so far she does not appear to be affected by lead toxicity," Dr Amber said.
Frodo's overall health is very good and staff at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital can see a positive future for her. Frodo has maintained her feisty attitude, active nature and appetite, continuing to move around well in her outdoor enclosure which she shares with other koala joeys.
"Frodo has started growing fur back over her wounds and has a healthy appetite which is brilliant to see considering her condition a month ago. At this stage no further surgery will be scheduled. Frodo will have another thorough check up just after Christmas to reassess her lead levels," Dr Amber continued.
Due to overwhelming public concern, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors have set up an Everyday Hero fundraising page for Frodo and others like her in care at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.
