A tiny koala joey named Chicken is melting hearts in Australia after wildlife rescuers posted a photo of the orphan with a plush chicken drumstick.
Here's what to know
According to an Instagram update from RSPCA QLD (@rspcaqld), the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in Queensland took Chicken in after he was found alone on the ground, possibly after a fall.
The hospital gave an update on Chicken, writing: "Thankfully, Chicken was doing well, but without his mum by his side, he needed a little extra comfort."
He was given "his very own plush chicken drumstick" to simulate holding on to his mother.
What's being done?
Once Chicken got the all-clear, they transferred him to a specialized wildlife carer.
His next step will be koala kindergarten. As the hospital explained, "When he's ready, he'll move on to koala kindy [kindergarten] to build his strength, socialise, and learn the skills he'll need before eventually returning to the wild."
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The post was met with gratitude, as one commenter put it: "So glad he's getting the care he needs before hopefully heading back to the wild where he belongs."
Where can I learn more?
Chicken's rescue comes as koalas and other orphaned wildlife face mounting pressure. These articles explore habitat loss, heat-related hospitalizations, and the inventive rehab methods helping animals recover.
• Across Australia, blue gum plantations are displacing koalas and deepening a stressful habitat crisis.
• In New South Wales, heat stress is driving more koala hospitalizations and deaths.
• At a South African rehab center, a water-walking costume teaches an orphaned crane to drink.
• In California, caretakers helped an orphaned black bear recover before its return to the wild.
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