Media Releases

Little koala “George” rescued from the top of a pole on Georges River Road is doing well

Friday, July 4, 2014

WIRES is caring for a young koala who was hit by a car in Sydney’s south west and was rescued by the fire brigade from the very top of a pole.

The very young juvenile male koala was reported to WIRES on Monday by a member of public who hit the animal on Georges River Road.

The member of public Cheryl said: “I was going very slowly around the corner and as I saw him I stopped. I was petrified I thought I’d run him over” “He tried to run across the road again and was almost hit by someone else. Then he ran up the pole”

“It’s not often you see a koala and to hit any animal would be awful. It broke my heart, I’m so relieved he is ok” When he climbed up the pole my 12 year old grandson and his friend stayed under the pole to keep any eye on him until rescuers came”..…they’re a gorgeous little creature, they’re such a treasure.”

WIRES carers Brett and Cate Ryan have the animal in care. Superintendent Ryan is Fire & Rescue NSW Acting Zone Commander for South West Sydney and was off duty at the time but called for assistance for the animal they have affectionately named George.

Brett said “I climbed up a ladder to rescue “George”. A difficult rescue operation, he was at the top of an old wooden light pole. The ladder was placed so I was able to get above the koala and gesture with a fire vest on a pole to persuade the animal to start climbing down. He climbed down the pole low enough that Cate was able to wrap a blanket around him and contain him.”

Cate then had the little koala checked by vets at the University of Sydney, Camden Clinic. Cate said “George has no major injuries but he does have a graze above his left eye. He is eating well and won’t be in care for long as he is in such good health….

….There is a proposal for a new road to go through the area where George was found and if this happens it will have an impact on the local koala population. I am concerned as the road will go directly through the koalas major tracking route.”

In the last 12 months WIRES has received calls to help 453 koalas.

To find out how to become a wildlife carer with WIRES like Brett and Cate, go to the Training section of the WIRES website www.wires.org.au

To make a donation to WIRES go to www.wires.org.au

If you have an animal in need, contact the WIRES rescue line on 1300 094 737

Media Contact: WIRES (02) 8977 3327

Media Email: [email protected]

Contact [email protected] for enquiries or call 0416 272 153.

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