What began as an ordinary drive along Summerland Way turned into a dramatic roadside rescue.
On August 13, a call came through about a koala that had been struck by a car near Kilgra, north of Kyogle.
Passing motorist Carolyn had spotted the dazed animal sitting motionless in the middle of the road.
She wrapped the injured koala in a blanket and put it in her car. The koala was later named Amora.
A second driver, Mark, stopped moments later.
Believing the situation was under control, he continued along the road, only to find what he assumed was a lifeless animal a short distance ahead.
As he went to move it, the small body stirred.
It was a joey – Amora’s seven month old daughter, later named Thanos.
Thanos was gravely injured but still clinging to life.
Mark rushed to catch up with Carolyn, and they reunited mother and joey who were transferred to local wildlife rescuers.
The location of the accident was recorded so rescuers could later release the koalas in their home range.
Unfortunately, Thanos died from her severe injuries.
Her mother, Amora, is still undergoing treatment at the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital in Lismore.
She has facial and abdominal trauma but is showing signs of recovery.
With continued care, she may one day return to her home range and raise more joeys in the future.
This story is a reminder to drivers to be vigilant on country roads and report injured koalas to Friends of the Koala 24/7 rescue hotline on 02 6622 1233.
This information was provided by Friends of the Koala.