Surrogate Carer Saves Koala Joey After Mother Develops Mastitis

A koala joey whose mother developed mastitis developed a close bond with a wildlife carer at the Australian Reptile Park, who fed him milk four to five times a day to keep him strong and healthy. In this video, the park shared footage of Buddy, an eight-month-old joey, and his carer Hayley Shute. “I fell in love with Buddy from the first time I held him,“ Shute said. “Being a mum to a koala joey is like nothing else in the world! Apart from all the fluffy cuddles and the amazing bond you form, knowing you are saving a species so important just gives you a feeling that’s indescribable.”