Overview

• Wilga survived twelve days in the Australian outback by drinking rainwater and puddle water, sleeping in a cave and enduring insect bites and freezing nights.
• Local resident Tania Henley encountered Wilga on a remote dirt track, gave her water and alerted emergency services that airlifted her to a Perth hospital.
• From her hospital bed Wilga shared renewed gratitude for her rescue and the outpouring of support she received across Australia.
• Survival expert Kelli Jackson attributed Wilga’s decision to abandon her vehicle to an “amygdala hijack” triggered by a head injury during her van’s crash.
• Bush survival authorities reiterated the rule of three—prioritizing air, shelter, water and food—and urged solo travelers to stay with their vehicles and carry geolocation tools.