Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital: Koala Hugs Mom During Surgery, Photos Go Viral
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital caught a special moment between a baby koala bear and his mum, and shared the photos online. According to ABC News, the baby koala and his mom were hit by a car on the Warrego Highway, and were transported to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for care. While the 6-month-old baby, named Phantom, did not suffer any injuries, his mom, Lizzy, needed to undergo surgery for a few injuries including a collapsed lung.
Doctors knew that Phantom was too young to be away from his mom, so they let him stay close to her throughout the procedure. What he did next was simply the sweetest thing ever.
Baby Koala Cuddles His Unconscious Mother While She Undergoes Surgery http://t.co/aLXs6F4ndP pic.twitter.com/RRXlCbxDip
— Woman’s Day (@WomansDay) June 11, 2015
This baby koala not leaving his mum’s side has been melting hearts worldwide. Yours? http://t.co/ds0H5FHzl3 pic.twitter.com/SSDLocZ98n
— dailymotion UK (@dailymotionUK) June 10, 2015
Baby koala hugs mom during surgery after she was hit by car: http://t.co/tAo0t6e4EZ pic.twitter.com/wNkrOJ7XvS
— David Nelson (@DavidNelsonNews) June 8, 2015
“Phantom is with Lizzy during her procedures and check ups to ensure neither mum nor bub get stressed out. Similarly, Phantom is in a ‘pouch’ during weighing to ensure he feels safe and protected while away from mum,” the hospital said.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital treated the momma koala and has good news: She is going to be okay.
According to the New York Daily News, Lizzy also suffered facial trauma in the accident, and has been on antibiotics, but she’s getting plenty of love from her little boy, and she is well on her way to recovering.
“It’s so rewarding to see patients like Lizzy getting better,” said vet nurse Jamie-Lynn Hevers.
The hospital posted the picture of little Phantom hugging his mom on Facebook on June 9. The caption that they posted is pretty much perfect.
“‘Hang in there mum, I’m here for support!’ – Phantom the koala joey cuddles his mum Lizzy during her recent treatment at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.”
While these koala pictures continue to go viral, the hospital has asked for donations to help pay for the treatment they give to various animals all year long. If you would like to donate, check out the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors website.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the koalas are in good hands at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Since they opened 11 years ago, they have treated over 58,000 animals.
[Photo by Ian Waldie/Getty Images]
