Early Christmas morning, Wildlife ARC responded to an urgent call about a young Swamp wallaby struggling in the water under the wharf of The Entrance Boat Shed. Despite the holiday, ARC members, Cathie, Sue, Amanda, and our keen junior member, Elsie, rushed to help alongside caring members of the public.
The rescue effort began after the wallaby was spotted in distress under the boat shed wharf, later swimming further out into the channel and past the bridge. A heroic effort was made by a fisherman to pull the exhausted wallaby from the water and onto his boat, keeping it safe until the ARC team arrived.
A kind onlooker helped Cathie to get down to the water. Loaded up with a carry bag and blanket Cathie waded out to the boat in the channel to carefully bring the joey back to shore. The young wallaby was rushed to the Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) West Gosford for emergency care where it received immediate attention.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the joey’s condition was too severe. He had suffered significant aspiration from the mucky water and was battling stress myopathy. The decision was made to humanely euthanaze him, sparing him further suffering. Amanda shared the heartbreaking update with the Macropod & Wombat Rescue Group saying, “The kindest thing was to let him go over the rainbow bridge. RIP sweet boy.” Scie added, “His fate would have been far less kind without you all. Rest peacefully, wee little one.”
Wildlife ARC extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this rescue: the members of the public whose quick actions made a difference, the ARH team for their compassionate care, and our ARC members for their unwavering commitment, even on Christmas morning. While the outcome wasn’t what we had hoped for, this effort highlights the dedication of our community to giving wildlife the best chance at survival.
As a 100% volunteer-run charity, Wildlife ARC rely on donations to provide vital rescue and care for wildlife 365 days of the year. Every contribution helps us provide food, vet care, and medications to animals in need. If you’d like to support the work we do please consider donating here.
