A tiny koala joey named Chicken is melting hearts in Australia after wildlife rescuers posted a photo of the orphan with a plush chicken drumstick.<\/p>\n
Here’s what to know<\/p>\n
According to an Instagram update from RSPCA QLD<\/a> (@rspcaqld), the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital<\/a> in Queensland took Chicken in after he was found alone on the ground, possibly after a fall.<\/p>\n The hospital gave an update on Chicken, writing: “Thankfully, Chicken was doing well, but without his mum by his side, he needed a little extra comfort.”<\/p>\n He was given “his very own plush chicken drumstick” to simulate holding on to his mother.<\/p>\n What’s being done?<\/p>\n Once Chicken got the all-clear, they transferred him to a specialized wildlife carer.<\/p>\n His next step will be koala kindergarten. As the hospital explained, “When he’s ready, he’ll move on to koala kindy [kindergarten] to build his strength, socialise, and learn the skills he’ll need before eventually returning to the wild.”<\/p>\n The post was met with gratitude, as one commenter put it: “So glad he’s getting the care he needs before hopefully heading back to the wild where he belongs.”<\/p>\n Where can I learn more?<\/p>\n Chicken’s rescue comes as koalas and other orphaned wildlife face mounting pressure. These articles explore habitat loss, heat-related hospitalizations, and the inventive rehab methods helping animals recover.<\/p>\n \u2022 Across Australia, blue gum plantations<\/a> are displacing koalas and deepening a stressful habitat crisis.<\/p>\n \u2022 In New South Wales, heat stress is driving<\/a> more koala hospitalizations and deaths.<\/p>\n \u2022 At a South African rehab center, a water-walking costume<\/a> teaches an orphaned crane to drink.<\/p>\n \u2022 In California, caretakers helped an orphaned black bear<\/a> recover before its return to the wild.<\/p>\n Get TCD’s free newsletters<\/a> for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here<\/a>.<\/p>\n