Our newest resident koala, Delungra Nigel, has quite the story!

Meet Delungra Nigel - Koala Conservation Australia's newest resident koala, Nigel.... and he has quite the story!

Nigel, a much-loved amputee koala, has officially become a permanent resident at KCA’s Wild Koala Breeding Visitor Centre at Guulabaa – Place of Koala. After months of dedicated care and rehabilitation, Nigel will now serve as an ambassador for wildlife resilience and conservation awareness.

Nigel’s journey began in September 2024, when he was found with his hind leg severely entangled in a wire fence. Despite extensive efforts from our expert veterinary team, the injury resulted in the complete loss of vascular and nerve supply to the limb, making amputation the only viable option.

Following surgery, Nigel spent many months in foster home care before moving to our pre-release rehabilitation yard. While he adapted remarkably well, his reduced agility in navigating trees raised concerns for his safety in the wild, particularly his ability to evade predators.

“As much as we hoped Nigel could return to his natural habitat, it became clear his best outcome was a permanent, safe home with us,” said Astrid Van Aggelen, Wildlife Vet at Koala Conservation Australia. “Nigel has captured the hearts of our team and supporters. He’s courageous, a total character, and we have no doubt will be an absolute crowd favourite.”

Nigel has now joined the Wild Koala Breeding Visitor Centre exhibit family, where visitors can view him and learn about the vital work of koala conservation. He will also be available for adoption through Koala Conservation Australia’s symbolic Adoption Program, giving supporters around the world the chance to directly contribute to his ongoing care and the protection of wild koalas.

“Three limbs? No problem. Nigel naps, climbs, and charms just like any other koala — maybe even better,” added KCA Koala Keeper Kyle Cordwell.

You can visit Delungra Nigel at the Wild Koala Breeding Visitor Centre - we are open every day (except Christmas day) from 8:30am until 4pm at Guulabaa - Place of Koala, in the Cowarra State Forest.