Woman Risks Her Life And Runs Into Fire To Rescue A Koala Fighting For Its Life

Cover picture: YouTube/9News Australia

Destructive bushfires have ravaged several parts of Australia in recent weeks as the country battles soaring temperatures, strong winds, and what is being called the worst drought it has seen in decades. The bushfires have caused massive loss to property and wildlife. In New South Wales, more than 350 koalas are reported to have lost their lives in the wildfires raging near the Australian town of Port Macquarie, reports EcoWatch. However, one lucky koala got a chance at survival thanks to the brave efforts of a woman who risked her life to carry him to safety.

In a video shared by 9News Australia, a distraught koala can be seen walking towards the flames as fire engulfs the surrounding area, on Tuesday. Soon after, a woman can be seen running into the flames as she reaches out to the koala putting her own life at risk. Upon reaching the marsupial, she wraps him in her own shirt off her back and carries him to safety. Later, she douses the injured koala with water as he cries in pain and fear, before taking the poor animal to the hospital. 

The woman, Toni Doherty, a New South Wales resident, said she was passing through the area when she spotted the koala that she's now christened "Lewis" after one of her grandchildren. Speaking to 9News, she said, "He just went straight into the flames, and I just jumped out of the car and went straight to him." Doherty took Lewis to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital where he is recovering from very serious burns. On Wednesday, Doherty paid a visit to Lewis who is being closely monitored by the hospital staff. The hospital has reportedly informed 9news.com.au that Lewis' health hangs in the balance.

"His feet are completely burnt and he has burns to his chest and stomach. He has been bandaged and given antibiotics but will take a lot of looking after, if he pulls through," said a spokesperson from the hospital to 9news. If Lewis survives, and we hope and pray he does, he will be one of the lucky ones, unlike hundreds of other koalas who have been killed in the fires ravaging NSW and Queensland.

It is worth noting that Lewis is one of at least 31 injured koalas that have been brought to the hospital to be treated for burns and hydration. Due to the overflooding of inmates, the hospital has kickstarted a campaign on GoFundMe to help it care for the injured koalas. Wildlife apart, the Australian bushfires have killed six people and destroyed hundreds of homes so far, CBS News reported.

Meanwhile, Doherty's brave efforts have not gone unnoticed on social media with several people hailing her a hero. User SimSkepsi wrote, "My heart is so heavy watching this. Hearing its cries just makes me think of all the other animals that we can't hear or didn't hear. Thank goodness for the kind souls." Many other social media users were both heartbroken and hopeful after watching the video that has now gone viral.