Two orphaned joeys have defied the odds and will eventually return to the wild following lifesaving care at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
The four-month-old common wombat and seven-month-old eastern grey kangaroo were each found debilitated by the side of a road next to their mothers who had died from road trauma injuries.
The Australian natives were each taken to wildlife carers who sought expert medical support from the team at Werribee Open Range Zoo’s RSPCA Koala Ward.
Veterinarian Dr Jen O’Dwyer said the juvenile wombat weighed just 380 grams and the kangaroo joey only 1.2 kilograms when they were first brought in for specialist treatment. The wombat, who has been affectionately named Myrtle, arrived from the Central Highlands district, while the kangaroo named Ruth was found in Bylands.
“Both joeys were found to be highly dehydrated upon arrival as they had not had access to their mother’s milk – an important source of energy, calcium and protein to support growth during early life development,” Dr O’Dwyer said.
Each was provided with round-the-clock feeds of specialised milk, supplementary electrolytes and oral rehydration therapy. The joeys underwent thorough examinations under anaesthesia, which included blood tests, X-rays and ultrasounds. Kangaroo Ruth was treated for forearm abrasions, and wombat Myrtle was treated for pneumonia. Both were provided with pain relief and colic medication to relieve trapped gas in their digestive system, which can occur because of stress and diet.
“They’ve had a tough start to life, but with plenty of care from zoo vets, nurses and their wildlife carers, both joeys are now starting to thrive,” Dr O’Dwyer said.
