Hundreds of animals are recovering in hospital after being rescued in Queensland bushfires this weekend.

A photo of a singed koala and her joey have become a symbol of hope and resilience in the Queensland bushfires. 

The koalas were rescued by police officer Darren Ward in the Gold Coast hinterland who found them in shock, clinging to a branch on the ground.

"There was singeing to the fur, and singeing to the ears... but the baby seemed quite well protected," he said.