So the anaesthetic mask (yep really gives meaning to full face mask!) was put on once he had been checked so that he would stay asleep and a long time was spent doing an ultrasound.
Inside this poor boy was the saddest story. He had been ravaged by chlamydia and had a huge cyst clinging to his bladder and some strange adhesive things growing through his abdomen.
After 2 vets examined him and discussions with our koala care coordinator and myself, I'm sad to report the only action we could take was one of mercy for this beautiful lad.
I am so lucky working to regenerate habitat here, but the reality of what disease is doing to our koalas is so very sad. RIP Lofty, I'm glad you didn't have die a slow painful death out there.
Thanks for following my project, the good and the sad.
@cruiser thanks Chris, it's tragic, but despite the sad stories, we work to save every koala possible and help the population.
I constantly hope the thousands of trees I've got regenerating here will be one small step to more healthy koalas in the future :)
So sorry the outcome was not a better one, but happy that he was spotted by your sharp eyes and did not have to linger in pain for longer than necessary.
I constantly hope the thousands of trees I've got regenerating here will be one small step to more healthy koalas in the future :)