With his badly burned feet, ears and nose, Lewis was deemed so critical, he stayed with a carer overnight. But in a positive step, aside from knocking over his water bowl, he also began eating eucalyptus leaves. This is seen as a critical step in the recovery of koalas as the intense pain and trauma of their ordeal can make koalas unwilling to eat.
That’s despite the fact koalas like Lewis that have been in the fire zone are typically dramatically dehydrated, malnourished and disorientated. Which explains why he walked through the flames while escaping another blaze. Provided he’s strong enough, he’ll be regularly placed in the koala equivalent of an induced coma to have his burnt and blistered feet cleaned, dressed and bandaged. Due to the huge requirement for protein and energy his body will now have in order to heal, he’ll also receive a lactose free milk formula.
He’s still got a long way to go but so far the signs are as positive as they can be. There’s no doubt he’s receiving the best possible care from Cheyne and the team at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Lewis has come to represent a species that is in so much trouble right now and charities like the Hospital are doing their best to bring them back from the brink...
