Hayla the Ringtail’s remarkable rescue

Hayla is one truely remarkable dog who recently rescued an orphaned female baby possum. Hayla  is a Maremma/Blue Heeler cross who works on a farm in Myocum, protecting the livestock from foxes, dogs and other predators.

‘Hayla has never ceased to amaze her owner Lindsay with her work ethic and instinct to protect all farm animals particularly the young, sick and vulnerable,’ said a WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service) spokesperson.

‘She regularly checks on the turkeys nesting in the paddock and then is on hand to welcome the newborn chicks. She alerts the humans to any birds trapped or in distress. She identifies the cows ready to calve and then guards the calves. She will sit all day with an orphaned calf being fed in the yards, said he owner Lindsay.

This week, Hayla displayed a new level of care. Lindsay had found a dead female ringtail possum on their property two days earlier. Then, during the night, Hayla located the orphaned female baby possum, which we assume had been separated from her dying mum. Hayla managed to get the possum joey to attach to the fur on her back, keeping it warm, and then presenting it to Lindsay and his family at 6am the following morning.

The tiny (88g) possum is now in care with a WIRES volunteer. She will be buddied up with another ringtail currently in care, and they be released together as a little family when they are about 8 months old.

The little possum has been named Hayla in recognition of the wonderful work of her canine rescuer.

Contact WIRES for rescues, advice or enquiries. The 24-hour hotline is for all calls to WIRES in the Northern Rivers – 6628 1898.