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Koalas rescued from deep mud hole at Morayfield construction site face weeks-long recovery

Katharina Loesche7NEWS
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VideoTwo male koalas were discovered trapped in a mud-filled hole at a construction site in Morayfield, suffering from hypothermia and mud ingestion.

Two koalas found trapped at the bottom of a muddy construction site hole have made a full recovery after weeks of intensive care.

Construction workers in Morayfield, north of Brisbane, made the discovery after hearing movement while placing a wooden pole into a 1.5-metre-deep pit, prompting a closer look.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Koalas rescued after being trapped in construction site hole

At first, they believed there was only one animal, but rescuers soon realised two male koalas, were stuck in the mud below.

It is not known how long the pair, later named Fudge and Santino, had been trapped.

The 1.5-metre-deep muddy hole where two koalas, covered in mud and difficult to spot, were found trapped together, with rescuers unsure how long they had been there.
Camera IconThe 1.5-metre-deep muddy hole where two koalas, covered in mud and difficult to spot, were found trapped together, with rescuers unsure how long they had been there. Credit: Wildlife Rescue Queensland
Rescuers work to free the trapped koalas.
Camera IconRescuers work to free the trapped koalas. Credit: Wildlife Rescue Queensland
The koalas were in a serious condition after rescue, suffering hypothermia and mud ingestion.
Camera IconThe koalas were in a serious condition after rescue, suffering hypothermia and mud ingestion. Credit: Wildlife Rescue Queensland

Wildlife Rescue Queensland said both koalas were in a serious condition when they were pulled from the hole using nets.

They were hypothermic and had ingested mud, with Fudge requiring intensive care and critical support for an extended period.

Once stabilised, both animals were treated for additional conditions, including cystitis and dental disease.

They were transported to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, where they remained in care for between seven and nine weeks, undergoing ongoing treatment and monitoring.

Despite their condition, both koalas made a strong recovery, and they have since been released back into the wild.

One of the koalas, fitted with an identification tag, climbs a tree after being released following weeks of care.
Camera IconOne of the koalas, fitted with an identification tag, climbs a tree after being released following weeks of care. Credit: Wildlife Rescue Queensland
One of the rescued koalas is released back into the wild after weeks of treatment, while a rescuer helps guide another to safety.
Camera IconOne of the rescued koalas is released back into the wild after weeks of treatment, while a rescuer helps guide another to safety. Credit: Wildlife Rescue Queensland

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