On August 4, 2018, a small miracle entered my life. Weighing just 1.7 kg, Caree (her name means Born Free) had lost her mother in a tragic car accident and found herself in my care. It's never easy when little ones of her age come into our lives, for they have already known the warmth and love of their real mothers. Their tiny noses have already peeked out of their mothers' pouches, exploring the world and watching their mob move gracefully through the paddocks and bushes that were their home.

As carers, we understand the critical phases in their young lives – Day 3, Week 3, and Month 3. At Week 3, I was convinced we were losing her. I held her in my arms all day, praying, talking to her, urging her on, and promising her a wonderful life. I cried for her to stay, watching her eyes lifeless and body listless, wondering if she would make it.

Miraculously, over the next few weeks, the sadness left her eyes and curiosity took its place. The stress had taken its toll, causing her to lose all her fur except around her pouch. Test results at the vet confirmed it was stress-related. She had daily baths with pintarsol to relieve the itchiness. We had to strike a balance between keeping her warm to stay healthy and not too warm to allow her fur to grow back. It took time, but we got there.

Caree moved to Amaris with her buddies, Coco, Charlie, and Cruz. She settled in well, enjoying the freedom without pen fences. Soon after, Cruz hopped off into freedom, Caree broke her arm and sustained damage from barb wire. Once again, the vet was called in, and she had to rest in the pen. Thankfully, my new pen was ready, and she was happy to hang with the M kids, lining up for bottles every night. She healed and eventually ventured off.

Caree has had a few babies – Kyah (mummy to Kyanne, Kilarni, and Kaylee), Zaley (running with the bachelor boys), Clover (mummy to Candy) Coco-Bella, and Cody. A few weeks ago, a neighbor's dog visited, causing Caree such distress that she jumped the fence with Cody in her pouch. I didn't see her the next day, but she came to me the following day for help in finding Cody. I found him, but Caree was still too traumatised to react normally, and we never saw Cody again (RIP baby boy, your life mattered).

Caree was also the first to come down with Bordetella Bronchiseptica. I spent hours following herand Zaley with medicine hidden in a bottle, banana, and Weet-Bix. I had to give her an injection and was told I needed someone to assist me. Determined, I managed it on my own, even though she took off with a needle in her butt.

Caree is a beautiful, gentle girl. She is loving and adores a mummy scratch and a sneaky bottle whenever she can get one. Her resilience and the bond we've formed are a testament to the strength and love that exists between wildlife and their carers. Caree has nestled into my heart forever, and I am grateful for every moment we've shared.

Meet Caree

Meet Jake

Meet Mia