Tributes flow for well-loved SA veterinarian and koala researcher, Dr Joanna Griffith
A vet, who had been at the forefront of koala research, has been remembered as a much-loved friend and colleague who would not quit fighting until the end.
Adelaide Hills
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A prominent wildlife vet, who had been at the forefront of koala research in SA, has been remembered as a much-loved friend and colleague who continued fighting for everything she loved until the end.
Dr Joanna Griffith, a respected veterinarian and mother of two, passed away on Tuesday evening after a courageous battle with cancer. Dr Griffith started her veterinary career as a koala researcher in New South Wales before moving to Adelaide where she became a well-regarded expert in wildlife care.
Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue Ltd broke the news on facebook.
“Our hearts are hurting today with the news that our dear friend and vet, Dr Joanna Griffith passed away on Tuesday evening after a brave battle with cancer,” the post read.
“In the three years since her terminal diagnosis Jo has striven to make every last minute count, for her husband, her two young boys, for koalas and wildlife, and for the veterinary community️.
“She continued fighting for everything she loved until the end and now her legacy will live on forever.
“We will miss not being able to call upon her endless knowledge (and) you don’t need to dig far into koala research to start noticing Jo’s name as a published author, reviewer and reference.
“This amazing woman was helping koalas through the vital research that is needed to ensure our koalas thrive in generations to come.”
Speaking to The Advertiser on Thursday, wildlife rescuer Mish Simpson said Dr Griffith dedication to koalas would be memorialised through SKER’s Jo Griffith Research Initiative.
“During our final visit with Jo, she was chuffed when we told her of our decision to create (the initiative) to honour her veterinary and research career,” Ms Simpson said.
“In her final weeks we were privileged to take Kev – a captive bred sanctuary koala – to visit Jo (and) we will forever remember this precious moment where Jo and Kev shared a moment of peace.”
More than 1000 condolence messages have also been left on SKER’s facebook post with many describing her passing as an immense loss for the wildlife community.
In her final blog on January 13 on Fundraiser.net.au, Dr Griffith thanked her supporters for their support.
She also used the opportunity to encourage people to donate to one of 10 vet and koala charities.
“Well things have progressed and I fear this will be my last post,” she said.
“Since the brain radiation I’ve been really unwell and in the last few weeks increasingly unwell.
“I keep rallying but it only lasts a few hours and the nausea, diarrhoea and fatigue return. Cancer is everywhere now and we are out of options.
“So, here we go. Thank you for all your support of me and my family. Honestly you’ve been immensely supportive. It has made the process much more bearable.”
To make a donation to one of Dr Griffith’s preferred charities, click here.
To support the Jo Griffith Research Initiative, visit southernkoalarescue.com
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