The pair were found in a 1.5-metre-deep hole in a serious condition, covered in sludge.

Trapped koalas rescued from Morayfield construction site

Two koalas found trapped at the bottom of a muddy construction site hole have made a full recovery after weeks of intensive care.

Construction workers in Morayfield, north of Brisbane, made the discovery after hearing movement while placing a wooden pole into a 1.5-metre-deep pit, prompting a closer look.

At first, they believed there was only one animal, but rescuers soon realised two male koalas, were stuck in the mud below.

It is not known how long the pair, later named Fudge and Santino, had been trapped.

The 1.5-metre-deep muddy hole where two koalas, covered in mud and difficult to spot, were found trapped together, with rescuers unsure how long they had been there.The 1.5-metre-deep muddy hole where two koalas, covered in mud and difficult to spot, were found trapped together, with rescuers unsure how long they had been there. Credit: Wildlife Rescue Queensland Rescuers work to free the trapped koalas.Rescuers work to free the trapped koalas. Credit: Wildlife Rescue Queensland The koalas were in a serious condition after rescue, suffering hypothermia and mud ingestion.The koalas were in a serious condition after rescue, suffering hypothermia and mud ingestion. Credit: Wildlife Rescue Queensland

Wildlife Rescue Queensland said both koalas were in a serious condition when they were pulled from the hole using nets.

They were hypothermic and had ingested mud, with Fudge requiring intensive care and critical support for an extended period.

Once stabilised, both animals were treated for additional conditions, including cystitis and dental disease.

They were transported to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, where they remained in care for between seven and nine weeks, undergoing ongoing treatment and monitoring.

Despite their condition, both koalas made a strong recovery, and they have since been released back into the wild.

One of the koalas, fitted with an identification tag, climbs a tree after being released following weeks of care.One of the koalas, fitted with an identification tag, climbs a tree after being released following weeks of care. Credit: Wildlife Rescue Queensland One of the rescued koalas is released back into the wild after weeks of treatment, while a rescuer helps guide another to safety.One of the rescued koalas is released back into the wild after weeks of treatment, while a rescuer helps guide another to safety. Credit: Wildlife Rescue Queensland