Two hand raised orphaned koalas, Ajooni and Maz, were successfully returned to the wild on Friday in Appin, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing wildlife rescue efforts of WIRES.
Ajooni, a female koala, was rescued last September, weighing only 600 grams.
She was placed into care with WIRES volunteers, who nurtured her through the critical early months.
Maz, a male koala, was discovered without his mother in Macarthur last December, weighing two kilograms.
Initially cared for by WIRES individually, he was later transferred to be buddied up with Ajooni during their rehabilitation.
Their release was followed by the official handover of a newly donated WIRES wildlife ambulance, funded with $68,105 from the NSW Government through the Community Building Partnerships program.
This vital asset is set to enhance emergency response capabilities for native wildlife in the Campbelltown and broader Macarthur region.
The event was attended by Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren, WIRES chief executive officer Leanne Taylor, members of their emergency response team, as well as some of their local volunteers.
The newly funded wildlife ambulance was officially handed over to WIRES and will be permanently based in the local area, ensuring faster response times for wildlife emergencies.
“This is what CBP funding is about,’’ Mr Warren said afterwards.
“Making a noticeable, positive difference in our community; I thank the WIRES team for their ongoing dedication and commitment to wildlife in our region.
“Our WIRES volunteers give up so much of their own time and energy to look after our local wildlife and I am happy to be supporting them through the CBP Funding.’’
