In just 20 years, the population of koalas has halved in Australia, going from 185,000 individuals in 2001 to 92,000 in 2021. Our photographer Marie-France Coallier notably spent a day at the Avian Reptile and Exotic Pet Hospital, a veterinary clinic affiliated with the University of Sydney. “Today, we are coming for a health check to see if Sophie can be released soon,” said Tracey Maguire, of the organization WIRES, which rescues wildlife.
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Sophie, a 1-year-old female koala, clings to the soft toy that replaces her mother, at a veterinary clinic affiliated with the University of Sydney. She was found an orphan in the suburbs of the metropolis by the organization WIRES, which rescues wildlife in Australia. Marie-France Coallier Le Devoir
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Manning auscultation. The male koala had been found very amorphous and was rescued by WIRES. Marie-France Coallier Le Devoir
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A koala in the wild. As a result of bush fires, urban sprawl and disease, the species is now threatened with extinction. Marie-France Coallier Le Devoir
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WIRES’ Tracey Maguire shows off koala saddles. Babies of the species may eat it to survive when they are orphaned. Marie-France Coallier Le Devoir
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Sophie is weighed. Female koalas are distinguished from males by their smaller size. “They are also more fluffy [duveteuses] says WIRES volunteer Tracey Maguire. Marie-France Coallier Le Devoir
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Using a small swab, the veterinarian performs a chlamydia test on Sophie. In koalas, this sexually transmitted bacterium can cause blindness (blindness) as well as painful cysts in the animal’s reproductive system, which can lead to infertility or even death. Marie-France Coallier Le Devoir
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Tender moment for Tracey Maguire, face to face with Sophie. They are near eucalyptus branches. Marie-France Coallier Le Devoir
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On the left, Sophie being taken care of before returning to nature. On the right, a koala in the wild doing its gymnastics. Marie-France Coallier Le Devoir
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A sign that indicates a passage for koalas to cross. Thousands of them get hit by cars on Australian roads every year. Marie-France Coallier Le Devoir
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The veterinarian at an exotic animal clinic smiles as she holds Manning down during anesthesia, before a thorough examination. Marie-France Coallier Le Devoir
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The vet carries the anesthetized Manning to the x-ray room. The koala was found to have a broken arm. Marie-France Coallier Le Devoir
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A team of vets takes x-rays of Manning. Marie-France Coallier Le Devoir
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Manning is cared for until he can return to the Australian wilderness. Marie-France Coallier Le Devoir
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