In the midst of the devastating Australian bushfires, countless animals were displaced, injured, or killed. Among them was Billy, a large koala found clinging desperately to a tree in a backyard in Adelaide Hills, Australia. The fires had destroyed the surrounding area, leaving ash and scorched earth as far as the eye could see. Billy’s tiny body was covered in soot, and he had suffered severe burns on all four of his paws. The sight was heartbreaking — a wild animal, vulnerable and alone, in urgent need of care.
When rescuers arrived to save him, Billy let out a loud, pitiful cry. Yet, the moment he was gently lifted and placed into a carrier, something remarkable happened: he seemed to sense that he was finally safe. He settled down, snuggling into the confines of the carrier as if instinctively trusting the humans who had come to help. For Billy, this marked the beginning of a long road to recovery — and the start of an extraordinary bond with his new caregivers.
A Makeshift Home for Healing
Billy was taken in by Lucy and Adam Francis, experienced koala carers who work with 1300Koalaz, an organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and displaced koalas. The couple has been deeply involved in wildlife rescue for years, but the recent wildfires had made their work particularly challenging. They had already seen firsthand the devastating toll on animals, and Billy’s arrival underscored the urgency of their mission.
Due to the severity of his burns, Billy could not use the typical koala enclosures. His bandaged paws prevented him from climbing or moving comfortably, and standard habitats were unsuitable. Lucy and Adam quickly improvised, creating a makeshift enclosure in their kitchen. A camping mattress provided a soft place to sit, while a pillow was placed behind him to help him lean back comfortably, compensating for the awkward position his injuries forced him into.
“He was clearly in shock, frightened and covered in soot and ash from the fire,” Lucy Francis recalled. “We wanted to be close to him always, so he would feel safe and supported as he healed.”
Even in this temporary setup, it was evident how resilient Billy was. Despite the trauma he had endured, he remained remarkably gentle and calm.
Trusting His New Friends
Billy’s temperament was extraordinary. Though he had endured severe pain and disorientation, he displayed a remarkable trust toward his caregivers. Lucy Francis recalled a particularly telling moment:
“When Billy first came to us and might have bitten my husband’s hand had he been a different-tempered koala, he sniffed it and licked it gently instead. It was like he was saying, ‘I know you’re here to help.’”
The Francis family dedicated themselves to gaining Billy’s trust and making his recovery as comfortable as possible. They spoke quietly, gently stroked his fur, and handled him with care during every medical procedure. Even when applying creams to his burns or administering vitamins — tasks that many animals find stressful — Billy remained cooperative, almost as if he understood that these treatments were necessary for his healing.
“His personality is so gentle and calm, even when we have to rub cream into his blisters and burns, or administer his vitamin mixture — which we’re really sure he hates — it’s like giving a very furry, reluctant child their medicine,” Francis said. “He even holds our hands with his back paws when we apply cream to his coccyx burn.”
This trust was a testament not only to Billy’s gentle nature but also to the compassionate care he was receiving. The bond between Billy and his caregivers grew stronger each day, and his willingness to accept help made it clear that he understood he was safe.
The Long Road to Recovery
Initially, Billy was so weak that he could barely feed himself. His burns had left him in significant pain, and his energy levels were extremely low. Lucy and Adam carefully supplemented his diet with additional food and vitamins to ensure he had the strength to begin healing. They monitored him constantly, adjusting his care as he gradually regained mobility and appetite.
“As the days went by, Billy started to get stronger and happier,” Lucy Francis said. “Even though he had been through so much, he was showing signs of his old self — curious, gentle, and calm.”
Billy’s recovery was steady but required patience. Every improvement, from lifting his head higher to taking more confident steps, was celebrated by his caregivers. They also made adjustments to his temporary enclosure as he gained strength, allowing him to practice moving in a controlled environment. Despite the severity of his injuries, Billy never lost his trust in humans — a fact that Lucy and Adam found both remarkable and heartwarming.
Looking Toward the Future
Although Billy is making incredible progress, he is not yet ready to return to the wild. His paws need time to fully heal, and he must regain the strength to climb trees and navigate his natural habitat. Yet even in this interim period, he is thriving in a safe and loving environment, experiencing comfort and care that he had been denied in the aftermath of the fires.
“We can’t wait to see him fully recover and release him in a big, beautiful gum tree one day,” Lucy Francis said. “Although he will leave a very big Billy-shaped hole in our home and in our hearts.”
Billy’s story highlights both the fragility and resilience of wildlife affected by natural disasters. His gentle nature, remarkable trust, and the devoted care he receives serve as a testament to the importance of rescue efforts and rehabilitation for injured animals. For now, Billy enjoys the warmth, safety, and companionship provided by his caregivers, who have become his family.
In the months to come, when Billy is ready to rejoin the wild, he will carry the strength built through love and care — a living example of hope and recovery. Until then, he can simply relax, heal, and experience the comfort of being safe, knowing that he has human friends who will always be there for him.
Billy’s journey from a burned, frightened koala to a trusting and recovering survivor is a reminder that compassion and dedication can make a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable. For Lucy and Adam Francis, each small step of progress is a triumph — and for Billy, every gentle touch and soothing word is a step closer to reclaiming his life.
