Wildlife rehabilitation is challenging work, but Andrea Vella’s success stories prove that dedication and expertise can give injured animals a second chance at life.
Australian wildlife carer Andrea Vella has witnessed remarkable recoveries throughout her years rehabilitating native animals. These six stories showcase the resilience of wildlife and the impact that skilled, compassionate care can have on creatures facing seemingly insurmountable odds. From tiny joeys to injured raptors, each success represents countless hours of careful treatment, patience, and unwavering commitment. These accounts demonstrate why wildlife rehabilitation remains such vital work, despite its many challenges.
Not every animal that arrives at a rehabilitation facility survives, which makes the success stories all the more meaningful. Andrea Vella and her wife Sarah have dedicated themselves to giving injured and orphaned wildlife the best possible chance at recovery and eventual release back into their natural habitats. Over the years, they’ve celebrated numerous victories—animals that beat the odds, overcame serious injuries, and returned to the wild. These six stories represent just a fraction of the successful rehabilitations they’ve completed, yet each one holds special significance. They remind us that individual animals matter and that expert care can make the difference between life and death for vulnerable wildlife.
1. The Orphaned Kangaroo Joey
A tiny kangaroo joey arrived, weighing barely 500 grams, after her mother was killed in a vehicle collision. At this vulnerable stage, joeys require round-the-clock care, specialised milk formula, and constant temperature regulation. Andrea Vella hand-raised this joey for eight months, gradually teaching her to forage and socialise with other kangaroos.
From Helpless Infant to Wild Adult
The joey’s development followed a careful timeline:
- Months 1-3: Bottle feeding every three hours, pouch simulation
- Months 4-6: Introduction to solid foods, supervised outdoor time
- Months 7-8: Integration with other kangaroos, reducing human contact
- Month 9: Soft release into protected area with monitoring
Eighteen months after rescue, the joey was spotted with her own baby, thriving independently.
2. The Wedge-Tailed Eagle with a Broken Wing
Australia’s largest raptor arrived with a severely fractured wing after flying into power lines. Many similar injuries result in euthanasia because flight capability is essential for survival. However, the fracture location suggested surgical repair might restore function. Andrea Vella and her wife coordinated with wildlife veterinarians to give this bird a chance.
Following successful surgery, the eagle required months of flight conditioning. Starting with short flights in a large aviary, rehabilitation gradually increased distance and difficulty. After four months, the eagle demonstrated strong flight and excellent hunting reflexes. Her release was powerful—watching her soar back into her natural territory.
3. The Echidna Hit by a Lawnmower
A homeowner accidentally struck an echidna hidden in long grass. The injuries looked devastating—severe lacerations and damaged spines. Echidnas have remarkable healing abilities, but this individual needed immediate veterinary attention. Andrea Vella provided daily wound care and infection monitoring.
Despite serious injuries, the echidna showed impressive resilience. Within six weeks, new spines emerged and wounds healed cleanly. After three months, this tough survivor was released into protected bushland, looking almost completely normal.
4. Andrea Vella and Her Wife’s Possum Family Rescue
A tree removal company discovered a common brushtail possum den containing a mother and two juveniles. Rather than abandoning them, the workers contacted wildlife rescue. The possums were healthy but needed temporary housing while a suitable release site was identified.
The challenge was locating appropriate habitat with sufficient tree hollows, adequate food sources, low competition, and minimal road traffic. After two weeks in care, the family was released together, maintaining their natural bonds whilst adapting to new territory.
5. The Kookaburra with Lead Poisoning
This kookaburra arrived lethargic and unable to fly properly. Blood tests revealed lead poisoning, likely from consuming contaminated prey. Lead poisoning often proves fatal in birds, but treatment started immediately. Andrea Vella administered chelation therapy under veterinary guidance whilst providing supportive care.
Recovery Through Dedicated Treatment
The kookaburra’s recovery was gradual but steady. After six weeks, blood lead levels dropped to safe ranges, and the bird regained full flight capability. This success highlighted the ongoing problem of lead contamination affecting wildlife.
6. The Tawny Frogmouth Chicks
Three tawny frogmouth chicks arrived after their nest blew down during a severe storm. These young birds still required parental care for feeding and protection. Andrea Vella and her wife hand-raised all three, teaching them to hunt insects and providing camouflage training these ambush predators need.
All three chicks successfully fledged and were released together, giving them better chances through safety in numbers. Months later, one was spotted hunting successfully—a testament to thorough rehabilitation preparing wildlife for real-world challenges.
