Baby Koala Clings to Mother Throughout Emergency Surgery

When Lizzy the Koala was hit by a car on the Warrego Highway in Australia, she suffered life threatening injuries including a collapsed lung and facial trauma. But thankfully, before the accident Lizzy had herself a good luck charm in the way of her six-month-old joey Phantom.

Lizzy underwent the surgery necessary to save her life, and tiny, one-pound Phantom clung to her throughout the procedure. Mother responded well. Both Lizzy and Phantom are spending some time in recovery at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, a facility founded by the late Steve Irwin — also known as the Crocodile Hunter — and his wife Terri.

See more photos of Lizzy and Phantom and get updates on their progress at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital Facebook page.