Koalas rescued in fires released back into wild

Koalas injured and rescued during the wildfires that devastated eastern Australia last summer have been released back into their habitat.

The 14 koalas were injured in Victoria state's East Gippsland wildfires and were treated mainly for burns in large enclosures in Melbourne and in Healesville.

They were released back close to where they were found, over the past month.

"Out of that devastating time in January (2020), it's really lovely isn't it to bring life back into Mallacoota," Zoos Victoria Senior Veterinarian Dr Leanne Wicker said.

Wicker said each koala was fitted with a tracking device on a collar so their progress can be monitored.

Thousands of koalas died during wildfires in the last South Hemisphere summer.