Koala bushfire survivor spotted in the wild with second joey

Sydney, 4 September 2023 – A koala which nearly didn’t survive the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires in Australia has become a mum for the second time in the wild.

Ember was found in November 2019 walking on the burnt ground in northern New South Wales after devastating fires swept through the area. The 18-month-old koala was severely dehydrated and her fur was black, coated in soot, and badly singed. Her lungs were congested from smoke inhalation, and she had sustained significant burns to her rump and all four paws.

Despite an initially worrying prognosis, Ember’s health improved and she made a full recovery under the expert hands of the IFAW-supported vet team at Friends of the Koala. She was released back into the wild in April 2020.

Some 18 months later in 2021, in the same area where she was released, Ember thrilled the experts who saved her life when she was spotted in the wild with her first joey.

Now, the bushfire survivor has surprised the team again with another joey spotted clinging to her pouch.

IFAW Wildlife Campaign Manager Josey Sharrad said Ember’s story gives us hope for the future of the species.

“This is beyond the best outcome we could have wished for. We really didn’t think Ember was going to make it and not only did she make it but she’s now thriving in the wild,” Ms Sharrad said.

“Ember is contributing to the future of this iconic species which is so important as koalas in New South Wales are endangered.”

The IFAW-supported Friends of the Koala vet team said Ember’s story has touched many hearts.

“Even just one koala surviving a catastrophic bushfire event and then going on to reproduce gives us hope that we can save this endangered species,” Friends of the Koala Hospital Superintendent Veterinary Surgeon, Dr Jackie Reed said.

ENDS

Photos and videos are available HERE.

Press Contact

IFAW Australia
Dominica Mack
m: 0460 432 901
e: dmack@ifaw.org