Help Save South Australia's Koalas and Echidnas

Dashley’s Second Chance

Sometimes, even in heartbreak, hope finds a way.

When Dashley arrived at our wildlife veterinary centre after being struck by a car on Dashwood Gully Road, his condition was critical. He was suffering from shock, internal bleeding, severe anaemia, and struggling for every breath. In those first moments, his survival depended on immediate access to skilled veterinary care, specialised equipment, and a team prepared to act under immense pressure.

Our veterinary team worked tirelessly to stabilise him. Dashley required rapid fluid resuscitation, oxygen therapy, diagnostic testing, intensive monitoring, and around-the-clock care. Every decision mattered. Every intervention was guided by experience, training, and a determination to give this koala every possible chance at survival.

But despite all efforts, Dashley’s condition continued to deteriorate. His internal bleeding had left him dangerously anaemic, and he urgently needed a blood transfusion, a procedure rarely performed in wildlife medicine and never before at our centre.

At the same time, another koala named Cash arrived after a devastating vehicle strike. Tragically, Cash’s injuries were too severe to save him. In one of the most emotional moments our team has experienced, Cash became a donor, giving Dashley a second chance at life.

With the support of a highly experienced wildlife veterinarian assisting our team during this period, we successfully performed our very first koala blood transfusion. It was an intense and emotional milestone for everyone involved, a moment that demonstrated just how critical access to skilled wildlife veterinary care can be.

And slowly, Dashley began to fight back.

Day by day, he grew brighter and stronger. Despite everything he had endured, Dashley faced each challenge with quiet determination and remarkable resilience. Before long, he had completely captured the hearts of our team and volunteers alike.

As the days passed, Dashley continued to improve beyond expectations. Watching him regain strength reminded us why wildlife rescue matters so deeply. Not just because we save animals, but because every successful rehabilitation represents another native animal returned to the wild where they belong.

Soon, once the wild winter weather settles, Dashley will finally return home, back to the gum trees, fresh eucalyptus leaves, and the freedom every koala deserves.

For our team, these are always the most meaningful moments. Goodbye is never easy, but in wildlife rescue, goodbye means success. It means another life saved. Another second chance made possible through compassion, expertise, and the support of people who believe Australia’s wildlife is worth fighting for.

Dashley’s story is proof that your support truly saves lives.

Links:

• some of the videos of his time in care