Day 28 – Koala Crisis

Transcript of Day 28 – Koala Crisis

Day 28 – Koala Crisis

After the devastating Black Summer bushfires, the landscape was a heartbreaking(1) sight. The disaster was all due to the carelessness of some campers and a fire they’d started and then abandoned. Charred trees stood like skeletal reminders of the inferno, and the ground was covered in ash. The air was thick with the lingering smell of smoke.

Amid this devastation, two young veterinarians, Sophie and Alex, were up to their ears in(2) work at the local wildlife clinic. They were worried sick about(3) all the animals that had their clinic packed to the rafters(4) and bursting at the seams(5) of late. Over the last few weeks, they’d had their work cut out for them(6), but it was all par for the course(7) in the life of(8) a country vet.

As they drove along the winding road through the blackened forest, Sophie suddenly gasped and pointed. "Alex, get a load of that(9)!" she exclaimed. On the side of the road, barely visible among the scorched vegetation, were a koala and her joey. Both animals looked like they’d been through the wringer(10). They were clearly injured and in a bad way(11), their fur singed and their movements slow and pained.

"We have to help them," Alex said, pulling the car over to the side of the road. They grabbed their medical kits and approached the koalas slowly, trying to project calm and reassurance. "Alright, take it easy(12)," Sophie whispered as they moved closer. However, despite their careful approach, the koala and her joey, driven by fear and instinct, did a runner(13) and bolted off(14) into the remnants of the forest.

"We can't let them do a disappearing act(15) and get away(16)," Sophie said urgently. "They won't survive long without treatment."

Determined, they began tracking the koalas, using their knowledge of koala behaviour and the landscape to follow the faint trail. They navigated through the burnt forest, facing numerous challenges, including unstable ground and the ever-present smell of smoke. Sophie was nervous about wandering too far off the beaten trail(17) but wanted to stay hot on the heels(18) of the koalas.

Hours passed as they searched, their resolve unwavering. Finally, they spotted the koala and her joey trying to keep a low profile(19) underneath some shrubs. Using gentle techniques, they managed to coax the animals out(20) of their hiding spot and safely capture them.

"Thank goodness we didn’t just tap out(21) and leave these guys to their fate(22)," Alex said with relief. “They both have one foot in the grave(23) with the injuries they’ve sustained.”

“Yep. 100%(24). I’m with you on that(25).” Said Sophie. “Best take them back to the clinic and see if we can nurse them back to health(26).”

Back at the clinic, they worked tirelessly to treat the koalas' burns and respiratory issues. Sophie had a bone to pick with(27) the careless campers who had started the fire.

"Their actions speak volumes about(28) their care for the environment and others, or rather, lack thereof it(29)" she said.

Alex nodded in agreement. “They definitely threw us all under the bus(30). But hopefully they learnt their lesson(31) and won’t be so absent minded(32) in the future.”

Sophie carefully treated the koalas’ burns, while Alex focused on ensuring the animals were comfortable and at ease(33). As time passed, they formed a close-knit bond(34) with the koalas during their recovery process, each day bringing new signs of improvement as they were on the mend(35).

After a few weeks on the road to recovery(36), the koalas were almost good as new(37) and back to full health(38). Sophie and Alex often found themselves reflecting on the importance of their work and the resilience of the wildlife they were helping. They discussed the challenges they faced at work and how it often took a toll(39), but also their hopes for the future of the forest and its inhabitants. They knew that hard times don’t last, but tough people do(40), and they were committed to seeing it through(41) to the end.

"Being a vet is definitely no bed of roses(42) and it’s a tough way to earn a crust(43)," Alex admitted, "but it’s all worth it when you get to help animals get back on their feet(44)."

“You’re dead on(45).” Sophie replied. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world(46).”

Finally, the day came to release the rehabilitated koalas back into the wild. Sophie and Alex were as happy as clams(47) with how the koalas had landed on their feet(48). They made sure to choose an area with plenty of surviving eucalypts so the koalas could stuff their faces(49) in safety. They gently released the animals, watching with joy as the koalas climbed the trees and began to scout out(50) their new home.

"Look at them, already pigging out on(51) the young leaves and living their best life(52)," Sophie said with a smile.

As the vets looked around, they noticed signs of the burnt forest coming back to life(53). New shoots and leaves were beginning to appear as the forest bounced back(54), a symbol of hope and renewal amid the devastation. The pair were as pleased as punch(55) with what they had achieved.

As they made their way back(56) to the clinic, Sophie and Alex discussed their next rescue mission. The two were pretty much joined at the hip(57) during the ordeal, and their commitment to wildlife conservation was rock-solid(58). The bushfires had taken a lot, but they had also brought these two dedicated vets closer together(59), united in their mission to protect and heal Australia's precious wildlife.