Baby Koala Struggles For Life After Being Shot

A baby koala shot in southeast Queensland has been undergoing crisis surgery.

The female joey, named Frodo by rescuers, was found with shotgun wounds at Jimna. X-rays showed the shotgun sprayed 15 pellets into Frodo's body, with one blow to the head.

She had emergency surgery at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, but veterinarians were able to take out only three of the pellets because of her condition. The 14 to 16-month-old is in a "critical but stable" condition and if strong enough will have more surgery.

It is supposed Frodo's mother was also shot and later died but the body has not been found.

Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones described the shooting as sick and cruel. "I'm completely disgusted by this cruelty and hope the young koala can recover."

Harming a koala is a severe crime. The penalty for intentionally shooting one is A$225,000 ($287,000) or two years' jail.