Koala rescued from forest fire by woman in viral video dies of injuries

“We recently posted that “burns injuries can get worse before they get better”. In Ellenborough Lewis’s case, the burns did get worse, and unfortunately would not have gotten better,” the post added.

The hospital had kept people updated about the condition of the koala since his rescue, with regular updates on Facebook.

The koala and its rescuer had made headlines worldwide, after the woman rushed into the fire to save it, risking her life.

The woman had seen the distressed koala crossing the road and jumped out of her car to save it, taking off her T-shirt to wrap the marsupial.

In the video that went viral, the woman was seen dousing the animal with water, before giving it some to drink. The animal was then sent to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital to be treated.

The hospital had earlier explained the severity of the burns the animal had suffered and explained why he was in critical condition despite all possible help and medication being provided.

“Lewis at the moment is in the category of “prognosis guarded” as in we are uncertain of his future. If we feel that his injuries and his pain are not treatable and tolerable, we will put him to sleep as this will be the kindest thing to do,” the hospital had said.

“At the Koala Hospital we do not keep koalas alive ” to save their lives” if this means pain and discomfort that is too much. We are all about animal welfare first and foremost,” the hospital had written.

The 14-year-old koala and its rescuer were reunited at the hospital, and it was named after the woman’s grandchild to honour her act of bravery.

Many expressed sorrow over the demise of the koala. However, they supported the hospital’s decision.

Australia continues to face forest fires, and officials have said hundreds of koalas have already died in recent weeks and the species is now a threatened one.