Billy the koala who won everyone’s hearts when he was rescued from Australian wildfires has passed away.
The koala named Billy caught everyone’s attention around the world after a picture of his blue bandaged paws was shared on social media.
Volunteers from the Adelaide & Hills Koala Rescue saved him last month in South Australia’s Kenton Valley after he was caught in the wildfires. He suffered major burns to his paws. Just a few weeks after he arrived in the rescue center, his paws were healed and the bandages were removed.
Sadly, his carers announced a heartbreaking statement on Instagram that the sweet koala died because of the stress of his injuries on Wednesday.
‘We have some very sad news to share with you all,’ the post reads.
It seems that he couldn’t handle the stress of this experience anymore. His carers are heartbroken but also comforted by the thought that he is climbing a big gum tree in the sky.
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Instagram users were devastated by the news.
“I’m so sad. Bless dear Billy,” one wrote.
“My kids will be devastated in the morning when I tell them. We’ve been following Billy’s recovery from here in California. Sending love and appreciation to his carers,” another wrote.
“Sleep well little one. Enjoy those juicy gum leaves at the rainbow bridge,” a third commented.
“I’m so sorry… Thank you for all the love and care you have him,” someone else wrote.
Yet another said: “I’m devastated. Climb high in all those trees up in Koala heaven. Rest in peace Billy.”
A GoFundMe page was set up and it raised even more than enough. They raised $401,982 of the $350,000 goal in order to help the volunteers caring for the animals, vets and the South Australian Country Fire Service.
