The act of raising a helpless baby forms an unbreakable bond, no matter if that baby is human or not. When a couple was given the task of keeping a baby koala alive, they never imagined how amazing those sleepless nights, and constant feedings would make them feel.
When one of Symbio Wildlife Park’s mother koalas passed away tragically from Leukemia, the team was left with a very difficult decision, as the zoo had two baby koalas, Imogen and Harry, and only one mother, Kelly. Kelly was actually Imogen’s birth mom, but the team decided the best chance of survival for both babies was to hand rear Imogen, the older of the two babies, and attempt to cross surrogate Harry into Kelly’s pouch.
Kylie Elliott and Matt Radnidge, who both work at the park, were then put on the fast track to parenthood, as they were given the task of hand raising baby Imogen. The two never left Imogen’s side, and would walk around with her nestled in a pouch beneath a warm coat.
While out in public, people were always noticing Kylie’s bump and commenting “how far along are you?” “Not long to go now hey!” “Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl.”
Little did they know, the large bump was really a cozy Imogen who needed Kylie’s warmth, movement, and heartbeat to simulate life in her mother’s pouch.
“Hand raising Imogen has been the most challenging and rewarding thing we have ever achieved. It hasn’t been an easy journey raising a joey with nocturnal habits and sharp claws – I definitely have a new respect for Koala mothers! Imogen has become such a huge part of our lives, and we are so blessed to have had the opportunity to play a part in her rearing,” Kylie said.
Watch the entire video below to see how Kylie and Matt raised this orphaned baby Koala.
Are you amazed at the lengths this couple went to to raise baby Imogen? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
[Featured image credit: Symbio Wildlife Park]