A powerful story of teamwork, compassion, and community support.

When it comes to wildlife rescue, collaboration is key — and Sprite the wombat’s journey is a perfect example.

Found on the edge of a housing development after navigating roads and being chased by dogs, Sprite was in urgent need of help. He showed early signs of mange and had a growing lump on his leg. Thanks to the quick action of WIRES and other supportive people, Sprite was safely transported for veterinary care.

Sprite’s treatment began at The University of Sydney’s Wildlife Health and Conservation Hospital (WHCH) in Camden, where radiographs were taken and the mass was biopsied and sent for testing. Before considering surgery, the team coordinated for the wombat to undergo a CT scan at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UVTHS) in Camperdown to check if the mass was near any blood vessels.

In preparation for the 70km journey from Camden to Camperdown, Sprite was lightly sedated, and WIRES volunteer Mel, along with Callum and Kimberly from WIRES Emergency Response Team carefully transported him to the UVTHS using the WIRES ambulance.

Sprite’s visit to the University’s city-based veterinary teaching hospital was supported by the University’s hospital staff — Dr Alisdair Eddie (Veterinarian) and Liz Arthur (Koala and Wildlife Care Coordinator) and Shae Judd (Diagnostic Imaging Nurse) — who guided Sprite through the University’s hospital network to ensure he received the specialised care he required.

At UVTHS, a CT scan revealed a calcified bony mass that required surgical removal. After being transported back to the Wildlife Health and Conservation Hospital, Sprite received pain relief and intravenous fluids before Veterinarian Dr Cynthia Chen successfully removed the mass. The operation was a success, and Sprite is now recovering well, back in the care of Mel, who is keeping the wound clean and managing his medications while he recovers.

To support his healing, Mel worked with a local swimming pool company,  Designer Plunge Pools, who generously donated and delivered a stainless-steel pool to provide a sterile recovery environment — approved by the vet team and perfect for his needs.

Sprite’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community support in wildlife rescue. Mel hopes it will inspire others to report daytime wombat sightings, which often indicate an animal in distress.

Thanks to teamwork, compassion, and generosity, Sprite is now on the road to recovery — one step closer to returning to the wild.