A recent social media post told the story of a mother koala, who was struck by a vehicle, and her tiny joey, refusing to leave her side — not at the roadside, not in care, not even through her surgery. He clung to her the whole time, fiercely loyal and deeply bonded.
We see this often — joeys clinging to their injured or fallen mothers, hiding in pouches, or waiting nearby, confused and afraid. It’s a powerful reminder that our wildlife feel deeply and form strong family ties.
This is why it’s so important for wildlife rehabilitators to commit for the long haul — not just to rescue, but to raise, to nurture, and ultimately, to release. A rescued joey may need many months — sometimes more than a year — of care before it's ready for life in the wild.
And while the bond between a carer and a joey isn’t the same as the one it shared with its mother, it’s still vital. Rehabilitators carry the responsibility for a joey’s emotional as well as physical development — and the best chance at that comes when the joey remains in the steady, consistent care of one trusted carer.
Please drive with care. Lives — and love — are on the road.
How You Can Help
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Slow down in wildlife zones, especially at dawn and dusk — these are peak movement times for many species.
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If you see an animal on or near the road, stop safely and check. A joey may still be alive in the pouch.
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Support your local wildlife carers and shelters — whether through donations, supplies, volunteering, or simply sharing their work.
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Know who to call — keep the number of your nearest wildlife rescue group saved in your phone.
Every act of care makes a difference. For the mother. For the joey. For the future of our wild places.
If this moved you, please share it — you might just help save a life.
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