Furry stowaway nicknamed Timberwolf discovered with only minor injuries when driver stopped at a service station

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

A koala named Timberwolf has suffered only minor injuries after he was found clinging to the bottom of a car that travelled 88km before the furry stowaway was discovered.



The four-year-old marsupial was discovered clinging to the grille of the vehicle by its occupants when they stopped at a service station in Gympie, Queensland, on Friday.



The family in the car did not know they had a koala passenger for the 88km journey from Maryborough.



Staff at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital treated the koala, naming him Timberwolf after their football team.



Luckily, Timberwolf suffered only minor injuries from his joy ride, with a torn nail being the worst of his woes. However, staff discovered the koala also has chlamydia, which will require antibiotic treatment.



“This is something we usually see in birds, however, they are generally not so lucky,” said Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital vet Dr Claude Lacasse.



“It is absolutely amazing that he has such minor injuries and he survived.



“We’re very thankful that the family called the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, where we are open 24/7 and can give him the treatment that he needs. It is a truly remarkable story, he is a very lucky koala.”



Timberwolf will remain at the animal hospital for the next 28 days as he recovers from his bout of chlamydia. Vets report he is currently up a nearby tree.

