After Being Dropped From A Tree, This Puggle Is Being Taken Care Of At Taronga Wildlife Hospital

    I'm honestly thinking about becoming a full-time puggle carer tbh.

    Clare Aston
    by Clare Aston

    BuzzFeed Staff

    For those of you reading who aren't Aussie — let me introduce you to the echidna.

    An echidna is a monotreme (one of only two species in the world), which means that they're a mammal that also lays eggs and suckle their young.

    And baby echidnas are these adorable, little things called puggles! Currently, the Taronga Wildlife Hospital is looking after this short-beaked puggle, which was brought in after it was dropped from a tree by a bird of prey.

    Baby puggle being held in the hands — it has little to no fur, sharp claws and an elongated nose
    Taronga

    Due to the lacerations and scratches the puggle had, it's assumed that it was picked from its burrow and then dropped when the bird realised it wouldn't be a successful meal.

    But, I just want to point out how cute it is?! I had no idea that puggles could obtain this level of squishyness.

    Puggle curling up in the hands of a keeper, resting its body on the thumb and pointer finger
    Taronga

    It's okay, little puggle. You'll get to where you need to be.

    At the moment, this little baby is receiving round-the-clock care from Senior Keeper, Sarah Male.

    Taronga

    The bub is fed every second day, using echidna milk formula that it laps from her hands.

    Sarah said, "Despite its ordeal, this little puggle is doing so well. Since arriving at the hospital, its lacerations have almost completely healed, it’s putting on weight and is also starting to grow a thin layer of fur, all of which are all promising signs."

    Taronga

    “While the puggle is improving every day, it is still very young and in the wild would still be dependent on mum, so will require ongoing care for the next few months. I’ve hand-raised lots of animals throughout the years at Taronga but such a young echidna puggle is a new experience for me."

    Taronga

    Well, here's to the young puggle — can't wait for you to grow into your spikes!

    Taronga

    If you want to help the hospital team continue their work, you can donate to the Wildlife Recovery Appeal here.