Orphaned, reunited and released twice!

Found crawling all alone on the side of busy Boundary Road, koala joey Precious captured the hearts of thousands. Why was he all alone?

Scooped up from imminent danger by the team at Koala Rescue Brisbane South, tiny Precious was rushed into our Wildlife Hospital for a health check.

Wrapped in a towel mimicking the warmth of his mother’s pouch, Precious found a moment of peace... but where was his mum?

Back at Whites Hill Reserve, volunteers were out searching for Precious’ mum. They spotted a lone adult koala perched high in a tree. Could this be Precious’ mum?

Her pouch was distended and empty, telltale signs of a mother koala without her joey.

With patience and care, the volunteers coaxed her out of the tree, but it took many hours and a lot of patience! Finally captured, the mother koala, now named Erica, was brought into our Wildlife Hospital.

The moment that Erica was introduced to Precious was simply magical. Across the room, cries rang out - mother and son recognised each other’s calls. In a heart-melting reunion, Erica and Precious were together again, safe in each other’s arms.

Thankfully, after both koalas were given a clean bill of health, they were successfully released back into the wild in Whites Hill Reserve.

Just weeks after a successful release back into the wild, tragedy struck Erica.

While travelling from tree to tree with tiny Precious on board, Erica was attacked by a dog.

Her poor body was marked with deep puncture wounds from the terrifying encounter. Precious, now old enough to ride on her back at seven months of age, had miraculously escaped harm.

Once again, Koala Rescue Brisbane South came to their aid, rushing the pair into our RSPCA Wildlife Hospital.

While our team were saddened to see the duo back in care and Erica much worse for wear, she received expert veterinary care and comfort to heal. Our vets and nurses delicately tended to her dog bite wounds, all while little Precious was by her side.

After several weeks recovering from her injuries at our Wildlife Hospital, Erica had made a full recovery and the dynamic duo were ready for release back into the wild a second time.

We headed out with the Koala Rescue Brisbane South to watch the pair released back into Whites Hill Reserve, safe and sound for now.

Thanks to community, compassion and collaboration, Erica and Precious get to enjoy life amongst the gum trees once again. To our diligent community members that notice animals in distress and call for help, thank you.

If you spot sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, keep our RSPCA Hotline 1300 ANIMAL (264 625) number handy. You can also contact your local wildlife rescue group for assistance.

Precious and Erica's story is a sobering reminder of the dangers that our endangered koalas and other wildlife face every day in their shrinking habitats – from road trauma and disease to dog attacks.

As pet owners, we have a responsibility to keep our dogs leashed on walks, pets secure at home, and to remain vigilant in koala habitats.

Erica and Precious’s journey is far from over. But with continued care, love, and awareness, we can ensure their story - and the stories of countless other animals – end in triumph.