A photographer missing in southeastern Australia has been found alive after surviving several days alone in the wilderness, authorities reported. Lovisa “Kiki” Sjoberg, known for photographing wild horses in the region, was located by rescue teams in Kosciuszko National Park. Sjoberg, 48, was discovered “dazed and injured” and is now in stable condition in a hospital, recovering from what officials believe was a venomous snake bite.
Extensive search began on October 21 when Sjoberg was reported missing. Police were alerted after her rental car had been parked in the park for six days without moving, prompting concerns that led the rental company to notify the New South Wales Police Force. Sjoberg was last seen driving a car in Kosciuszko National Park on October 15.
With its challenging terrain and expansive 2,700 square miles, Kosciuszko National Park presented significant obstacles for search teams. Law enforcement and search crews established a command center in Kiandra, an abandoned mining town within the park’s Snowy Mountains region, and worked with Australia’s National Parks and Wildlife Service, Rural Fire Service, and volunteers to scour the area. Specialized search units, including police dogs and a rescue helicopter, joined in to search the alpine landscape.
Rescuers ultimately located Sjoberg around 5 p.m. local time on October 27 on the Nungar Creek trail near Kiandra. Paramedics treated her on-site for a snake bite and exposure to elements before she was taken to Cooma District Hospital.
Monaro Police District Superintendent Toby Lindsay confirmed that Sjoberg had been bitten by a copperhead snake—a venomous species found in the region—four days before her rescue. She had also rolled her ankle and was suffering from dehydration after wandering alone through dense wilderness. “She’s very fortunate to be alive,” Lindsay noted, describing her as “quite unwell” but in “reasonable condition and happy to be alive” after a challenging ordeal.
According to Australian Museum, copperhead snakes have powerful venom, and without medical treatment, a bite can be fatal. Sjoberg’s resilience and dedication to search teams contributed to her survival against the odds.
Her story underscores the perils of Australia’s wilderness, a place of beauty and danger, especially in Kosciuszko National Park, where nature remains largely untamed. Sjoberg’s experience has captivated the public, serving as a reminder of risks taken by those who venture into remote areas.
