Hi, my name is Cluney. I’m an Echidna puggle and thanks to WIRES, I was rescued just in the nick of time. But I’ll let them tell you the story…
Cluney was named after the area where he was found wandering near a main road, disorientated and dehydrated, in the northern rivers town of Clunes in New South Wales.
At the tender age of five months, Cluney is still supposed to be safe in the burrow being fed and tended to by his mother. But for some reason, this little Echidna felt compelled to venture out into the world.
Maybe his mother hadn’t come back to the burrow for some time, maybe he was hungry. We just don’t know. But when a young Echidna leaves the burrow prematurely they are in great danger.
Not only was Cluney still milk-dependent but he didn’t have the strength yet to fend off predators and look after himself in the wild.
If it wasn’t for a concerned member of the public who spotted him ambling along Bangalow Road, it’s uncertain what would have become of him.
If it wasn’t for a concerned member of the public who spotted him ambling along Bangalow Road, it’s uncertain what would have become of him.
After being taken to Lismore veterinary clinic for an examination and x-ray, this lucky puggle is now in the hands of experienced WIRES carer, Leoni. While there was nothing found to be wrong with Cluney physically, he required immediate rehydration and feeding.
Leoni sent us this short video which shows Cluney drinking his special Echidna formula.
We’re hoping he’ll be ready to head back into the area where he was found, in May. This is normally the time of year when young Echidnas leave the burrow and find their independence.
Please remember, if you see an Echidna puggle outside a burrow before May please contact WIRES:
Thank you! Because of kind people like you, I’ve been given a second chance at life. - Cluney