Koala Rescued From Car Grille in Adelaide After Roadside Incident
A koala, now named Axle, was successfully rescued in Adelaide's southern suburbs after a collision with a car left it lodged in the vehicle's grille. The incident occurred late on Saturday night, with volunteers from Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue recovering the marsupial.
The koala was struck with sufficient force to be propelled through the vehicle's grille.
Despite the impact, a veterinary examination revealed that Axle sustained only minor injuries, primarily a scrape and some head soreness. Volunteer rescuers carefully extracted the koala from the car before midnight.
Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue extended their gratitude to the driver for stopping and promptly contacting their hotline. Axle is now expected to rest for several days under care before being released into a safer area of its natural habitat.
Guidelines for Injured Koalas
The Australian Koala Foundation offers the following important recommendations if you encounter an injured koala:
- Safely pull off the road and immediately contact a local wildlife carer for guidance.
- Ensure the environment is safe before approaching the animal on the road; stop traffic if necessary.
- Approach the koala carefully from behind and cover it with a blanket, ensuring its arms and head are enclosed.
- Move the koala to a safe location away from traffic.
- Handle the animal minimally and maintain a quiet environment until a veterinarian or wildlife carer arrives.