Frodo Says Goodbye And Is Released Back Into The Wild
22 June 2011
It has been over six months since little Frodo the female koala joey came into care at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital on Friday 5 November, 2010, transported by the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Veterinarian Dr Amber Gillett's assessment revealed that she had sustained a fractured skull and significant damage to the stomach and intestines as result of being shot with what appeared to be the spray of a shot gun. X-rays revealed approximately 15 pellets scattered throughout her body.
Six months later and staff at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital have said goodbye to little Frodo who has been released back into the wild. Frodo was given the all clear by wildlife veterinarian Dr Amber Gillett and left the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital weighing a healthy 4.1kg.
"Releasing Frodo back into the wild was a great feeling. She was such a special case who overcame horrific injuries and health challenges to amaze all of us here at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. When Frodo was admitted she was a very sick little girl and her chance of survival was unknown. She was at risk for several months from succumbing to lead poisoning from the number of pellets in her tiny body; luckily she was able to overcome that biggest threat to her health" Dr Amber said.
Head of the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit, Brian Coulter was pleased to send Frodo home. "It was great to finally release Frodo back into the wild. After a long stint in hospital we were excited to get her back to the bush and we know she is prepared for her release back into the wild. Giving her a second chance at life is the reason we continue our vital work both at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and in the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit," Brian said.
Dr Amber carried out the final veterinary assessment on Frodo on Thursday 9 June and was happy to give her the all clear.
"Frodo had reached our pre-release weight and was looking great. She was moving around really well so it was time to say goodbye. Hopefully this was Frodo's first and only visit to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital" Dr Amber said.
Frodo captured the hearts of people all around the world who followed her progress from the moment she was admitted to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, who would like to extend a huge thank you to all those who assisted with donations towards Frodo's recovery
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