This past December, a woman was out shopping in Western Sydney, Australia, when she noticed a fluffy gray animal perched in a gum tree near the busy plaza.
WIRES
The woman kept a safe distance as she peered up into the tree. She saw that the animal was a koala, and she clearly needed help.
WIRES
“It was a sweltering [100-degree] day,” WIRES Wildlife Rescue wrote in a Facebook post. “And the koala was panting heavily.”
The woman quickly contacted WIRES and told them the news. Soon, Inga, a wildlife rescuer, was on her way.
Inga knew that the koala was far from her usual habitat, but she didn’t want to disturb the animal if she was able to leave on her own. She checked on the koala several times, noting any change in her demeanor. Eventually, Inga saw the koala was showing increased signs of distress and climbing higher into the tree, so she decided to commence a rescue.
WIRES
In need of backup, Inga contacted Tracey, a branch koala coordinator, who readily agreed to help. Together, the women safely sedated the koala and gently maneuvered her out of the tree.
Rescuers took the koala to Wildlife Health and Conservation Hospital, where veterinarians conducted a full assessment and chlamydia test. For two days, the koala, whom rescuers nicknamed Minni, rehydrated and recuperated. When she began showing signs of restlessness, animal experts knew she was ready to return to the wild.
WIRES
“It is the best feel-good moment when we release any native animal back into the wild, and [it’s] even more special when it’s an endangered species like our koalas,” Tracey told The Dodo.
Inga and Tracey took Minni to a suitable habitat nearby and watched in awe as she scurried away.
“She climbed a few metres up the trunk, stopped and gave Inga and me a backward glance, then headed up into the canopy and began eating gum leaves — another rescue success story!” Tracey said.
To help other animals like Minni, you can donate to WIRES. 
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