A personal rescue journey
(by Ruth Waterhouse)
Rescuing a joey from its deceased mum's pouch can be a challenging thing to do for some people.
The first time I did a pouch rescue I was really not sure I wanted to do it, however, I quickly overcame my reluctance and fears when I realised that the joey would die a long slow death if I didn't step up.
A case of if not me, then who?
It is totally ok though if you dont feel up to it , just make that call that will bring a more experienced person to help by contacting Bonorong on 0447 264 625. Alternatively, scoop up mum and bub and take both to your local or after hours vet, particularly if the joey is attached to it's mums teat, as failure to remove correctly could cause damage to it's mouth. The After hours vet in southern Tasmania (AHEVC Derwent Park) can be contacted on 1300 302 912.
The following video, although not perfect, will give anyone a good grounding on how to go about removing a joey ( that is not attached to a teat) from the mother's pouch.
There are a few extra things I could have done in this situation (Other than get rid of my pesky glasses). For example, I could have cut the pouch to make it easier, although I prefer not to if I can help it.... call it a remnant of the old squimish me, even though I know when cutting the pouch there is actually no blood involved. I pre warmed the cloth rescue pouch but I could also have rubbed it over mum to impart some comforting scent of her for the joey. If you only had a towel on hand, or an item of clothing you could still do the same.
When removing a joey from it's deceased mother's pouch, it is It is crucial that you do not try and pull it out by a limb or tail. Instead, use a cupping, scooping motion with one hand down the joeys back. In the event that the joey is large and at risk of bounding away, the exception can be made that one hand is used to hold the tail (as insurance) while using the other hand to scoop out the joey. This would minimise the risk of losing hold of a joey that is still too young to survive on it's own.
Keeping the joey warm, dark and quiet is a crucial first step...just imagine the shock and bewilderment and then the grief the animal has endured. If the joey is pink or has a layer of fine velvet fur it will not be able to maintain its own body heat. It could be quite cold so use your own body heat to slowly and gently warm it. Also the firm, close, wrapped up feeling of being down your top will give it some comfort. Next, it is important to get the joey into the system to find a carer as soon as possible. Bonorong can be contacted 24/7 on 0447 264 625.
Do not attempt to give it food or water - this needs to be done by an expert. Also please do not be tempted to try and care for it yourself, although well meaning, to do so would be cruel and likely to end up in disaster. Yes, they are super cute but they also need experienced care 24/7.
Please note - the sound you can hear the joey making is a call out to its mum. It is a normal distress call to her that sadly will not be answered.
If we all took 20kph off our daytime driving speed from dusk to dawn, so many of these joeys would still be with their mums - and it would only take a moment longer for us to get to our destination. It reallly is that easy to prevent such awful suffering and loss!
