Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary: Lily's Leap and Poppy's Perseverance

Lily’s Leap: A Journey from Tragedy to Triumph

In the quiet hours of a fateful night, a tiny heartbeat fought against the odds. Weighing merely 200 grams, Lily, a kangaroo joey, was found clinging to life in her mother’s pouch after a tragic accident. Her mother, struck by a car, held on just long enough for a kind-hearted driver to rush her to the vet. Despite the efforts to save her, Lily’s mother passed away, leaving the tiny joey still attached to the teat.

Enter Carole Gamsby, a name synonymous with hope at Amaris Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary. Carole gently detached Lily, and though the joey initially lost weight, dropping to a fragile 180 grams, her spirit never waned. Under Carole’s tender care, Lily began to thrive, her weight climbing steadily until she reached a robust 7kg, and she came to live at Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of life and the dedication of those who serve as its guardians.

Lily’s antics as a ‘milk fiend’ have become legendary at the sanctuary. With an uncanny ability to count every drop of milk in her bottle, she ensures not a single drop goes to waste. Now at Karlup Animal Sanctuary after finishing her bottle, she finishes everyone else's and then she hops over to Claire, her eyes sparkling with mischief, as if asking, “Is there more?” Her playful spirit brings joy to all who meet her.

Poppy’s Perseverance: The Miracle of a Second Chance

Poppy’s tale is one of sheer willpower. Found after three harrowing days in her deceased mother’s pouch, she arrived at Lyn Manuel’s home in a dire state—unresponsive, without a discernible heartbeat, and frighteningly cold. But Lyn refused to give up. Through persistent efforts of rubbing, warm water immersion, and even mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, Poppy’s life flickered back. A twitch of her leg was all it took to renew their hope, and for 45 minutes, they fought for her life together.

Miraculously, Poppy pulled through and became a sister to Lily. Regular vet checks ensured she met each milestone, and now at a healthy 6kg, she was ready to embrace her wild side at Amaris Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary. Her final chapter is now at Karlup Animal Sanctuary, where she’ll take the steps toward a soft release back into the wild.

These stories of Lily and Poppy are more than just tales of survival; they are narratives of compassion, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of life. They remind us that miracles can indeed happen, with a bit of love and a lot of determination. As they prepare for their next chapters, we celebrate the incredible work of Carole Gamsby, Lyn Manuel, and all the unsung heroes at Amaris and Karlup Sanctuaries. Here’s to many more stories of hope and healing.