The 99th Koala: A Tale of Courage and Resilience on Kangaroo Island
The summer of 2019-2020, known grimly as Australia’s Black Summer, left a profound impact on the nation. With over 12 million hectares burned, countless lives disrupted, and more than a billion native animals lost, the devastation transcended borders and lingered in hearts.
Amidst this unprecedented destruction, one man’s story of resilience, courage, and care emerges as a beacon of hope: Kailas Wild, an arborist from Sydney, turned conservationist hero on Kangaroo Island.
Kailas Wild’s journey, chronicled in his book The 99th Koala: Rescue and resilience on Kangaroo Island (Amazon link), offers an intimate look into his selfless mission to rescue and rehabilitate injured koalas.
“For months we all felt helpless, myself included,” Wild recalls, capturing the collective anguish felt by Australians as fires ravaged their country.
A text from a desperate wildlife carer changed everything, prompting Wild to pack his climbing gear and drive 1,500 kilometers to the smoldering remains of Kangaroo Island.
Responding to a Call of Duty
An arborist by trade, Wild’s unique skill set became a lifeline for koalas clinging to survival in treetops scorched by fire. “When I heard that some of the injured koalas could only be reached by a tree climber, I knew I had to help,” he says.
His seven weeks on Kangaroo Island were grueling but transformative. He worked tirelessly alongside other volunteers, rescuing over 100 koalas in the charred remains of what was once thriving bushland.
Among the most memorable of these rescues was Joey Kai, a tiny, burnt, and orphaned koala. “At first, I didn’t think she would survive,” Wild admits. Yet Joey Kai defied the odds, becoming a symbol of resilience and a personal touchstone for Wild.
“I became incredibly attached to her,” he shares, revealing how this small survivor encapsulated the hope and heartbreak of his mission.
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A Devastating Yet Rewarding Journey
Wild’s experience was a study in contrasts: “The experience of working in a devastated landscape and seeing injured koalas every day was extremely confronting. But equally, the opportunity to be of some help and to work with others who cared so much for wildlife was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
His vivid descriptions and photos captured global attention, drawing millions to his social media accounts and highlighting the plight of Australia’s unique wildlife.
Yet, The 99th Koala is more than just a recounting of rescues. It is a heartfelt plea for environmental action. Wild warns that “koalas could go extinct within our lifetime,” a stark reminder of the fragility of Australia’s ecosystems.
For him, the koalas of Kangaroo Island symbolize both humanity’s environmental failures and the potential for redemption.
“My goal is that in reading about my experience, more people will care deeply about the impacts of climate change and feel inspired to engage fully in what is the most significant issue facing Australians and the world,” he explains.
An Emotional Rollercoaster
Wild’s story is a mix of harrowing realities and uplifting triumphs. Reviews have praised the book for its raw honesty and emotional depth.
ABC hailed it as “a welcome dose of personal courage and deep humanity,” while Mamamia described it as “a gripping reminder of a summer that feels like it’s in our country’s distant memory.”
Through his words and photos, Wild introduces readers to the individual koalas he encountered, each with their own story of survival. “The 99th Koala is a plea for wildlife,” noted Good Reading, “a tribute to the volunteers who strive to save animals and rehabilitate them.”
Hello everyone!
[image or embed]— Kailas Wild (@kailaswild.bsky.social) July 3, 2023 at 5:21 PM
A Call to Action
Wild’s mission on Kangaroo Island was born of a desperate need to help in the face of overwhelming loss. Yet it evolved into something much larger—a powerful example of individual action.
“I hope you read my story and find that it proves the power all of us have to make a difference,” he writes, urging readers to turn their grief into action.
The 99th Koala stands as a poignant reminder of what is at stake and a rallying cry for conservation. It’s a story of one man’s unwavering commitment to making a difference—and the koalas whose survival now serves as a symbol of resilience and hope.
The 99th Koala: Rescue and resilience on Kangaroo Island available on Amazon (affiliate link)
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