Koala Ernie returns to the wild

Ernie the koala. Photo: Supplied
A koala who was hit by a car last year, has been released back into the wild after being rehabilitated by staff at Werribee Open Range Zoo and a wildlife shelter operator.

The koala, nicknamed Ernie, was hit by a car near Hamilton in November last year.

Ernie sustained a deep cut on his back and fractured a piece of bone off his femur. He underwent surgery at the Koala Ernie returns to the wild, where two metal screws were placed in his bone to repair the fracture.

Following the operation, Ernie spent almost seven months being rehabilitated  by wildlife shelter operator Marilyn Blankley and Werribee Zoo veterinary experts.

Recently he was released onto a private property bordering the Brisbane Ranges National Park in southwest Victoria – just in time for breeding season.

In a video of Ernie’s release, he can be seen jumping onto the trunk of a gumtree before climbing upwards. 

Mrs Blankley, who filmed Ernie’s release in order to make sure he was using both hind legs equally, said the moment he jumped onto tree was “poetry in motion”.

“It was a wonderful sight,” she said.

“He looked so strong and he just totally reverted back to being an animal in the wild in an instant.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”
Mrs Blankley, who is continuing to monitor Ernie, said he was adapting well to his new life.

“He’s got a long life ahead of him and it’s the vets at Werribee Zoo who have given him that,” she said.

Werribee Open Range Zoo veterinarian, Dr Paul Eden, said it was “very rewarding” to see Ernie released back into the wild.