Koala survives trapped in car grille after crash in South Australia

Monday, 2 February 2026 19:22

The marsupial was picked up by volunteer rescuers after being injured in the late night crash.

A koala has been rescued after it was hit by a car and thrown through the grille in Adelaide's southern suburbs.

The marsupial - consequently named Axle - was picked up by volunteer rescuers from the Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue after he was injured before midnight on Saturday.

"If you ever needed another reason to stop and check after hitting an animal, this is it," the charity said on social media.

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The koala was thrown through the grille of the vehicle.

"He was hit with such force that he was thrown through the grille of a car and yet, somehow, he has come away with only minor injuries.

"Our amazing volunteer rescuers responded just before midnight and carefully worked to free Axle from the car.

"He was vet-checked today and, aside from a scrape and what we imagine is a very sore head, this brave boy is remarkably okay."

Incredible rescue of koala from grill of car

The charity thanked the driver who stopped, checked and called its 24-hour hotline.

"One phone call truly made all the difference," the charity said.

"Axle will spend a few days resting and receiving some well-deserved TLC before being released back into a safer part of his home territory."

The Australian Koala Foundation recommends several steps to rescue an injured koala.

If you come across an injured koala, you should pull off the road safely and call your local wildlife carer for instructions if possible.

Always make sure it is safe before you go onto the road to attend to an animal and stop any traffic if necessary.

Approach the animal carefully from behind and place a blanket over the koala, enclosing its arms and head.

Be careful as the koala is frightened and has very sharp claws.

Move the koala to a safe place away from any traffic, handle the animal as little as possible and keep the environment quiet until it arrives at a vet or with a wildlife carer.

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