Two koalas pulled from a muddy pit at a Morayfield construction site have made a full recovery after weeks of intensive care and been released back into the wild. Both animals were in a serious condition when rescuers arrived.
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Fudge and Santino, both male, were found trapped together at the bottom of a 1.5-metre-deep hole on the construction site, discovered when a worker went to place a wooden pole into the pit and heard movement below.
On closer inspection, what at first appeared to be a single animal turned out to be two koalas trapped in the mud at the bottom of the hole. It is not known how long the pair had been down there before help arrived.
Rescuers from Wildlife Rescue Queensland attended the scene and carefully retrieved both animals using nets. The koalas were hypothermic, covered in sludge and had ingested mud. Their condition was serious.
Wildlife Rescue Queensland noted on Facebook that Fudge in particular required “intensive care and critical support for an extended period of time.”
Weeks of care before the road to recovery
Once the pair were stabilised, the challenges were not over. Both koalas were also found to be suffering from additional conditions, including cystitis and dental disease, which added to the complexity of their care.
Fudge and Santino were transferred to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, where they spent between seven and nine weeks receiving ongoing treatment and monitoring. Fudge required intensive care and critical support for an extended period, but both animals ultimately pulled through.
Wildlife Rescue Queensland wrote on Facebook: “Thanks to the dedicated team at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, both boys made a strong recovery and were able to be released back where they belong.”
The rescue is a reminder of the risks construction activity can pose to local wildlife, particularly in areas where development and koala habitat intersect.
Wildlife Rescue Queensland is urging locals across the Moreton Bay region to report any koala sightings, whether the animal appears healthy or not.
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“If you spot a koala in the Moreton Bay region, whether healthy, sick, injured, or orphaned, please call 0478 901 801,” the organisation said. “Every reported koala sighting is important. Our rescue team is available 24/7.”
As for Fudge and Santino, after everything they went through, they are back where they belong.
Featured image credit: Facebook/Wildlife Rescue Queensland
Published 7-May-2026
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