Two adorable, family Labradors, owned by Libby Swan, rescued a 310 gram koala joey last Tuesday.
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Caring pooch Francis, who was accompanied by Delilah, carried the joey in his mouth inside the family home.
The act amazingly saved the tiny joey from likely death. The dogs found the joey on the Swans' property "Gowrie".
The property runs along Gum Flat koala breeding area along Copeton Dam Road, Inverell.
Fortunately for 'Inverell Francis' Libby is a nurse so he was bundled into a beanie and placed in a makeshift incubator, the warming draw of her combustion stove.
The koala was given the name 'Inverell Frances' because he was located at Inverell and the dog who rescued him is called Frances.
Libby could feel how cold the joey was and the first emergency step was to keep him warm.
The koala weighed a tiny 310 grams and Libby cannot comprehend why her pet Labradors kept such a careful and caring approach to the tiny koala.
Then 24 hours later tiny Inverell Francis was on the move to Bingara were another nurse, Elizabeth Kakoschke took over caring for 'Francis'.
Elizabeth had to work afternoon shift so the joey received a meal and then another one at midnight when the final trip to Uralla occurred.
Native animals will loose weight in the period following their rescue. They are also very fragile but this is the tiniest joey that Denise has cared for.
Denise Friedman an experienced carer has reported her 'absolute delight' at the behaviour of 'Rescuer Francis' who managed to distinguish a koala joey from a rabbit.
Denise sterilises her pipette which delivers bio-lac milk (M100) to the joey initially the joey dropped weight to 275 grams but now weighs 320 grams.
"It has started to eat little nuts from a 'nicoli' branch plus peppermint tree nuts from the New England area.
"Eating the nuts means that he has received "pap" from his mum. Pap is obtained by the joey by licking his mother and this means he has been able to establish gut flora. He is also starting to pelt (poo) so that is very important, it means he is getting nourishment.
"It is amazing that he has had the pap. I am thrilled I have never had one do so well that is so young. We keep him in a warm pouch, near our fire, he is hugging a soft toy koala much bigger than him, " said Denise.
Like all beautiful little newborns, 'Inverell Francis' was lifted for his photograph to be taken, when he then urinated over his carer who responded with a laugh.
Please contact Denise Friedman if you find an abandoned or injured native wildlife. Phone 02 67 7849944 or mobile 04012106785