06 Sep Echidna Release
MWR Clinic Manager Jo and Volunteer Liz were called out to a Echidna that was injured on the side of the road some 90kms round trip from the Refuge. After asking the finder to wait with the animal and get directions, we arrived to find the Echidna bleeding from the beak and back legs. The echidna was given immediate first aid and carefully placed into a bucket ready for transportation back to MWR. Here her bleeding was brought under control and she was stabilised and rehydrated for 48 hours before heading to the vet another 82kms round trip away. On examination she was shown to have no damage to her beak, feet or legs. She stayed in care until she was eating and walking without any problems. This photo is of Liz releasing her in the forest where she was found.
Liz and Jo stayed and watch her for quite a while as she immediately started to forage under and around logs looking for termites. She was such a strong girl, lifting and moving logs to get to her food. We watched as she disappeared into the forest and we both smiled as we made our way back to the car. Very satisfying job.