Rescued baby koala loses battle for life

LEFT orphaned after his mother was hit by a car, baby koala Peter fought hard for a second chance at life with help from his WIRES carer but, sadly the adorable fella lost his battle.

Baby koala Peter was rescued by WIRES after her mother was hit by a car, but recently passed away while in care. Picture: Robert Pozo

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A WILDLIFE carer who was looking after a baby koala named Peter who has sadly died, has praised the vets from Koala Hub for their efforts treating him.

Peter was orphaned when his mother was killed by a car.

Joeys are known for being notoriously hard to raise to adulthood, and the seven-month-old was in care with WIRES volunteer Cate Ryan when he died.

Cate Ryan with baby Peter when he came into care. Picture: Robert Pozo

Baby Peter was rescued after his mum was killed by a car.

The cause of death is not yet known, but Help Save the Wildlife and Bushlands in Campbelltown founder Ricardo Lonza said the community was saddened by the loss and stood behind Ms Ryan and her efforts to keep baby Peter alive.

“We are all devastated and heartbroken, we send big hugs to his carer Cate Ryan who has been his mummy since he lost his real mum,” he said.

“It’s not an easy job raising these guys as there is nothing natural about it, and it’s just one of those things that happens in care.

“All we can do is make sure we work around the clock and provide them with everything possible in the hopes that they will make it through.

“Cate we are truly sorry, we know you did your best for him and gave it your all.”

Ms Ryan said she would like to acknowledge the help she received from Dr Bree and Dr Mikel from the Koala Hub run by Sydney University.

“It was such a shock,” she said.

“We are waiting for the post mortem results, but its common for joeys under one kilo to not survive; all we can do is try and hope for the best.”

Adorable ... baby Peter. Picture: Robert Pozo

Koala breeding season runs from August to February, and WIRES volunteers are reminding residents to slow down when driving and keep an eye out for koalas, especially at dusk and dawn.

If you see sick or injured wildlife call WIRES on: 13 00 094 737 or the 24 hour koala hotline on: 0466318688

For more information click here

This two-year-old female Koala named Kenzie has been successfully rescued by Ms Ryan.