Zoos SA
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Adelaide Zoo Cares for Bushfire Survivors

The Adelaide Zoo Animal Health Centre is hopping with some very special visitors, nine kangaroo joeys that are being tenderly cared for after sustaining burns as a result of the Adelaide Hills bushfires.

The bushfire survivors started arriving at the zoo last Thursday from the South Australian Veterinarian Emergency Management that has been coordinating the care and distribution of animals affected by the bushfires.

Adelaide Zoo Veterinarian, Dr David McLelland says it’s all hands on deck to care for the Western Grey Kangaroo joeys.

“Adelaide Zoo is pleased to provide our facility and expertise as part of the collective effort to care for wildlife that has sustained injuries during the bushfires,” David said.

“The joeys in our care require more intensive treatment. In order to care for our nine little visitors, on top of our normal zoo cases, we put a call out to zoo staff and volunteers to lend a helping hand.

“The cases we’re dealing with require around the clock care treating sores and blisters, removing dead skin and cleaning and dressing burns to feet, tails, claws and ears to avoid infection.

“We’re happy with their progress to date; the joeys have settled in well and are enjoying lots of treats like milk and vegetables on top of their normal diet of grass, while staff are enjoying lots of cuddles.”

Zoo veterinarians are hopeful after the joeys have been rehabilitated they will be able to be released back to the wild.

The Adelaide Zoo Animal Health Centre cares for approximately 250 wildlife emergency cases each year that are brought in by wildlife organisations, government agencies and the public.

About Zoos SA

Zoos SA is a not-for-profit conservation charity that exists to connect people with nature and save species from extinction. Zoos SA acknowledges the Country on which we stand always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land and we pay our deepest respect and gratitude to Kaurna (Adelaide Zoo) and Ngarrindjeri (Monarto Safari Park) Elders, past, present and emerging. We undertake critical conservation work throughout Australia and acknowledge the traditional custodians of these lands.

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