24/05/2026
Big news about little Strawberry!
Today, we are celebrating a milestone that once seemed so far away. Strawberry no longer needs bandages for her burned feet! This is her story…
In the aftermath of a devastating bushfire in Victoria earlier this year, officers found a kangaroo mum suffering from severe burns. Sadly, mum could not be saved. As they approached, something extraordinary happened, a tiny joey hopped straight up to them for help. For a wild kangaroo joey, this is incredibly unusual. Somehow, this brave little girl seemed to know that these humans were her only chance. Her mum was now gone.
The joey had burns of her own and she desperately needed care. Thanks to the wonderful team from Vets for Compassion (VFC) and Animals Australia, who were rescuing wildlife affected by the fires, she received immediate treatment and was then transported here to the East Trentham Wildlife Shelter. This occurred on 17 January 2026. While being treated, the little joey licked some strawberry jam from the hand of one of her helpers. She was subsequently named Strawberry.
Over the next four months, Strawberry faced her recovery with remarkable courage. She endured 27 bandage changes, countless treatments, and many long days of healing. When she arrived, she weighed just 3.5kg. Today, she weighs more than double that and has blossomed into a bright, cheeky young kangaroo with a heart full of curiosity.
One of our favourite things about Strawberry is her gentle nature. She loves checking in on the younger joeys in care, hopping over to see what they're doing and making sure she doesn't miss out on any excitement. Despite everything she has been through, she has remained trusting, loving and full of life. As soon as someone sits on the couch, Strawberry jumps up and throws herself onto their lap. It is impossible to not fall in love with her.
On 20 May, we reached the moment we had all been hoping for. Strawberry's bandages were removed for the very last time. Her wounds had healed.
There is still a journey ahead as she moves into rehabilitation and learns the skills she'll need for life as a wild kangaroo, but today we celebrate just how far she has come.
From a frightened little bushfire survivor seeking help, to a thriving young kangaroo with a bright future ahead, Strawberry reminds us that healing is possible when compassion, dedication and hope come together.
A heartfelt thank you Vets For Compassion for their support and site visits, and to Animals Australia for helping fund VFC during the vital rescue efforts. Also special thanks also to Laura, Majella and Lisa for every bandage change, every gentle touch, and every hour of care that helped Strawberry reach this beautiful milestone.
We couldn't be prouder of you, Strawberry. But that isn’t all. This rehabilitation could not have been possible without the love and devotion and round the clock care from my amazing team of live-in international volunteers that were part of her journey: Thank you Floria (France), Andrea (Italy), Alice (Italy), Steffi (Germany), Kaatje (Belgium), Chloe (UK), Katja (Austria), Luana (Netherlands), Ninie (France), Amelie (France), Michelle (USA/NZ), Coraly (France), Mery (Spain), Victoire (Belgium), Jan (Singapore), Jasmin (Germany), Marina (USA), and Meve (France).
For more stories such as that of our beautiful Strawberry and to donate to help me continue this kind of essential work, please visit my new page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573355218399
PLEASE NOTE: The East Trentham Wildlife Shelter Inc is now registered as a charity, and all donations (over $2.00) made to the charity are tax deductible in Australia, and a receipt will be issued for the donation. Just use any of the links for payment options on the new page. Thank you for helping me help animals like Strawberry.
See less
