Doug dies during operation

Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital Vet Amber Gillett checks the progress of ’Doug’ the injured koala.

WARREN LYNAM / SUNSHINE COAST DAILY

SURGERY on Friday was unable to save Doug the koala.

The young koala was found with slug gun shots to his ribs and abdomen at the base of a tree at a Morayfield property on Tuesday morning.

Emergency surgery went ahead at the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah yesterday afternoon after the wounded joey’s condition worsened.

It was during surgery that Doug passed away.

“Vets operated on Doug’s chest first following X-rays that were taken today, which revealed the pellet was sitting in his chest cavity,” a wildlife hospital spokesperson said.

“Vets had to remove hair that was found in Doug’s chest as a result of the impact of the pellet.

“It has also been revealed that half of one of Doug’s lungs had to be removed.”

His mother, Meryl, was also shot during the attack but is expected to make a full recovery after earlier surgery.

“Meryl is still doing well and vets are happy with her progress,” the spokeswoman said.

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