WEIGHING just 200 grams when she was rescued, it was unlikely Hope would survive.
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But months later, the kangaroo joey is thriving in care and well on her way to being released back into the wild.
Hope has been in the care of Wildlife Carers Network Central West volunteer Michelle Evans, who took her in after she was orphaned.
"She was an orphan, she got pulled out of mum's pouch. When she came to me she was only 200 grams and I had her in a humidity crib," she said.
At the time, Hope had no fur, her eyes were closed, her ears were down, and she had to be fed every two hours.
"The survival rate when they come in like that isn't very high, so every milestone was super exciting," Ms Evans said.
"Her ears popped up and then her eyes opened, her skin looked a bit blue when her fur was coming in and then she started to get her little teeth."
Now Hope weighs 2.1 kilograms and is feeding every five hours, with her able to go without feeds during the middle of the night.
She can be released when she weighs 15kg, in about 12 months' time.
It's an incredible turnaround for the little joey, but it does come at a cost.
Volunteers for the Wildlife Carers Network end up between $1200 and $1500 out of pocket per animal, having to cover the costs of things like tissues, wet wipes and pouches themselves, while milk is partly subsidised.
However, the volunteers are just happy to help.
"To me, it's only money, and to be able to know I've saved a life that could have died freezing cold or being pecked at by crows," Ms Evans said.
The Wildlife Carers Network is always in need of more volunteers. People can sign up by visiting wildlifecarers.org.au and filling out the website's contact form.
For those able to, being a wildlife carer is incredibly rewarding and meaningful.
"We always need more carers, but you need to do it because you want to," Ms Evans said.
"But a volunteer doesn't need to take an animal, you can help out at markets or at Bunnings barbecues, but if you want to take an animal in you have to want to save a life, there's no other reason."
People are also encouraged to be vigilant on the roads, not just while driving, but if they come across a dead or injured animal.
It is important to call for help or check on them, as a baby can survive up to five days in a mother's pouch.
"If it's safe and you can, please do check, because you could be saving a life. It's not about numbers, it's about making sure these animals don't suffer," Ms Evans said.
People who come across an animal in need can call the Wildlife Carers Network on 0408 966 228.
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