Orphaned baby koala saved by Australian zoo

A tiny, vulnerable koala joey's life has been saved by Werribee Open Range Zoo's veterinary team, after it was found in a critical condition in wild.

miniature 400 gram joey, dubbed 'Mini', was brought to zoo for urgent medical attention by a registered wildlife carer who h rescued Mini after her mor was killed by a dog.

On arrival at zoo, six-month-old Mini's condition was incredibly precarious.

At this , koala joeys are still entirely dependent on support, warmth and safety of ir mor's pouch and milk to survive.

Werribee Open Range Zoo Veterinary Nurse Jessie Rice provided around--clock care for Mini using a substitute woollen pouch, regular milk supplement and browse feeds, along with comfort of a humidicrib.

It wasn't long before Ms Rice started to see Mini's fighting spirit and personality shine.

"She's been thriving. She's been putting on weight and that's way that we want her to go," Ms Rice said.

While at Zoo Mini is kept in a humidicrib.

"She'll spend days in re and n come home with me at night-time, with a little hot p," Ms Rice said.

That means regular feeding throughout night.

"She was very active and really vocal at night time. I have t been getting too much sleep because of it but a vocal, active koala is what we want," Ms Rice said.

Mini has w returned to wildlife carer and will be hand raised until she grows to 3-4 kilograms which will take around 12-18 months.

Werribee Open Range Zoo's vets will continue to provide ongoing support and medical expertise as required.

Mini will n be released back into wild near where she was found in South-west Victoria.

(Representative Im)