When rescuers found Blinky Belle resting in a pergola, they knew she needed help. The feisty koala was carefully brought to the Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Centre for a full health assessment.

From the moment she arrived, Blinky Belle showed plenty of attitude. Wildlife carers often say that when a koala is especially protective or feisty, it can sometimes mean one thing — there might be a joey involved.

And they were right.

During her medical check, the team discovered a tiny pinky joey safely tucked away inside her pouch.

The little one was incredibly small and fragile, making Blinky Belle’s care even more important. She has now been placed under close supervision and is currently receiving medication for an eye condition while veterinarians wait for test results related to Chlamydia in koalas, a common illness affecting wild koala populations.

For now, both mother and joey will be carefully monitored by wildlife experts as they recover and grow stronger.

Everyone involved is hoping for the best outcome — that one day soon, Blinky Belle and her tiny joey will return safely to the bush where they belong.

Sometimes, a rescue mission reveals more than expected.

And sometimes, it saves two lives instead of one.