Treating patients @Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Neve, a patient from the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital who went from a caring mother with a leg injury to a symbol of resilience!

Neve the koala was admitted to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital in September 2023 after suffering a suspected trauma injury to her leg. There were high concerns for Neve’s mobility, especially since she was a mother to a little joey, affectionately named Pippin, who could be seen clinging to Neve’s back as she tried to move through the eucalypt trees.

The dedicated veterinary staff quickly assessed Neve's injury. What seemed at first to be a recent mishap turned out to be an old trauma—a bite through the cartilage of her knee that had never properly healed, causing her immense and continuous pain. The severity and complexity of Neve's condition required specialised care.

An orthopaedic surgeon was brought in to perform the delicate surgery needed to mend the intricate structures of her injured knee.

While Neve was moved into the intensive care ward for recovery, her joey Pippin was kept close by, spending his days in the kindy yard—an area of the hospital designed to mimic their natural habitat. This environment helps young koalas like him learn essential skills such as climbing and socialising, which they would typically acquire in the wild.

Despite the best efforts of the orthopaedic veterinary team, Neve’s surgery did not achieve the desired outcome. Neve’s fight does not end here.

She was required to undergo a second surgery to remove the implants that had failed and an alternative attempt of repair saw her leg fixed with an external splint and cast to encourage the fibroids to fuse back together.

Recovery from such a profound injury is no small feat for any animal, and Neve is no exception. Her days at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital are filled with the gentle progression of healing and the careful attention of her caregivers, who are committed to seeing her through to a full recovery. 

The story of Neve and Pippin is not just a narrative of survival and maternal love but also a poignant reminder of the critical work happening every day at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. The financial aspects of specialised surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and the day-to-day operations of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital are immense. Our facility relies on the support of generous people like you who have aided us in operating this facility for the last 20 years, treating over 130,000 patients since opening our doors.

With your support, we can ensure Neve and countless other wildlife, receive the care they need to thrive - ultimately preserving Australia's iconic wildlife for generations to come.