Uploaded March 2022 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In early March, Eastern Australia was hit by a significant flood and storm event that had devastating impacts on people, communities, wildlife and our environment.
Taronga enacted its Wildlife Emergency Response Plan, which involved preparing our Wildlife Hospitals for an influx of wildlife and working collaboratively with our partners to prepare to assist in the field if required.
As flood waters soaked much of the east coast of Australia, a resident of Pitt Town Bottoms in Sydney’s west came across an echidna floating on a mattress. The echidna was drenched and had minor scratches to his beak but seemed to be in reasonable condition.
The echidna was delivered to a WIRES carer. A team from Taronga Wildlife Hospital then went into the flood affected area to retrieve the animal, nicknamed ‘Gerald’ by its rescuer, and the plucky monotreme has since been recovering at Taronga.
Upon Gerald's arrival, he received a full health check from our veterinary team and was found to be in good condition. We will continue to care for Gerald at Taronga Wildlife Hospital until he can be released back to the wild.
In early March, Eastern Australia was hit by a significant flood and storm event that had devastating impacts on people, communities, wildlife and our environment.
Taronga enacted its Wildlife Emergency Response Plan, which involved preparing our Wildlife Hospitals for an influx of wildlife and working collaboratively with our partners to prepare to assist in the field if required.
As flood waters soaked much of the east coast of Australia, a resident of Pitt Town Bottoms in Sydney’s west came across an echidna floating on a mattress. The echidna was drenched and had minor scratches to his beak but seemed to be in reasonable condition.
The echidna was delivered to a WIRES carer. A team from Taronga Wildlife Hospital then went into the flood affected area to retrieve the animal, nicknamed ‘Gerald’ by its rescuer, and the plucky monotreme has since been recovering at Taronga.
Upon Gerald's arrival, he received a full health check from our veterinary team and was found to be in good condition. We will continue to care for Gerald at Taronga Wildlife Hospital until he can be released back to the wild.
