Cute koala duo released back into the wild after being hit by car

Phantom, the koala joey, and his mum Lizzy who were hit by a car near Ipswich in Queensland have been released back into the wild after recovering in the care of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.

Phantom was miraculously unharmed in his mum’s pouch but clung to her as she was treated for chest trauma and a collapsed lung.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than achieving a successful rehabilitation for these two beautiful koalas,” wildlife veterinarian Dr Rebecca Millers said.

“They weren’t with us for long but in the short time we had them, we all fell completely in love with this adorable pair.

“Phantom was very affectionate; clinging to his mum for comfort during her procedure, but soon after Lizzy was the one doing all the cuddling.”

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is bracing for an influx of injured koala admissions between August and February as the animals before more active during the warmer weather.