Weighing around 15kg and measuring 2m in length he was retrieved from the middle of the motorway in November 2002 by the newly appointed manager responsible for ongoing maintenance of the road.

At the time of rescue he was incapable of any movement and respiration was slow and shallow. No external sign of injury was apparent and a local vet found no physiological reason for the comatose state, however a head trauma was suspected.

Over the next 24 – 48 hours signs of movement, beginning with eye opening, started to appear. Eventually all motor skills (no pun intended) returned with little human intervention other than the provision of a warm and quiet environment (our double garage minus the vehicles).

Within about 10 days food and water had been taken and defecation noted. One night following he was gently slipped into a large strong bag and the next day he was released about 1.5km from the motorway where he was found.

In hindsight it seems probable that a glancing blow from a vehicle tyre had stunned him. Unconscious on the road surface at midday his body had quickly overheated and he was probably only minutes from death when rescued.

Article and photos by Graeme and Debbie Lloyd.

Wildlife Relocation and Management Services

P.O. Box 449. Tweed Heads. NSW. 2485. Australia
Phone: Office (07) 55904301
Phone: Mobile: 0409 272 247 (24 hours)
Fax: (07) 55904701

email: wildlife@powerup.com.au