We have a short update for you this month, as the Friends of the Koala team has experienced an unexpected run of heartbreak. It has been a particularly challenging period, with several koalas arriving in critical condition or having developed complications from their injuries and/or disease and, sadly, they were unable to recover.
Despite every possible effort these precious koalas had no chance of recovery or the prospect of a good quality of life. In those cases, the kindest and most humane decision was to peacefully end their suffering. Others have passed away naturally.
These losses are never easy and they have taken a significant emotional toll on all of us. We pour so much love and care into each koala who comes through our doors. However, there are also good news stories. Our work doesn’t stop, our team continues to show up every day – because there are so many other koalas who still need us.
The love and support from our community also means the world to us, especially during times like these. Thank you for standing by us – we couldn’t do this without you.
As always we will start with the releases – because that is the ultimate goal for us when we rescue any koala – to see them released back home to the wild where they belong.
King
Seven-year-old King, was admitted to our care in mid June with conjunctivitis. Following examination, it was confirmed that he was suffering from severe bilateral conjunctivitis, a bilateral ear infection, and a generalised skin condition affecting much of his body.
Thanks to the dedicated treatment and care that he received, King made a remarkable recovery. He is now chlamydia-free, his body condition and weight have significantly improved, and we’re thrilled to share that he was successfully released back home.
April
April, a three-year-old female koala, was admitted to the hospital in mid August following a car hit near Inverell. She was initially treated at a local veterinary clinic and once stabilised, she was transferred to the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital for ongoing care.
April sustained facial trauma from the accident. Fortunately, radiographs confirmed there were no fractures, although she did suffer some bruising to her lungs. She began a treatment plan that included pain relief and anti-inflammatories to support her recovery.
We are happy to report that April responded well to her treatment and made a full recovery. She was successfully released back to the wild recently – go April!
Hartley
Hartley is a three-year-old male who was admitted after being found on the road. Fortunately, he had not been hit by a car and appeared unharmed.
As part of his health assessment, Hartley was tested for Chlamydia and when his results came back negative, he was given the all clear for release. Hartley went home recently – yay!
Khan
Ten-year-old Khan, was admitted to care on in mid July. He had a large abscess behind his right eye – likely the result of a territorial fight with another koala.
This wasn’t Khan’s first time in care, as he had been visited us previously a number of times. He was started on a course of antibiotics to treat the infection and thanks to prompt treatment and supportive care, the wound healed well.
We’re pleased to report that Khan made a full recovery and was released back to the wild recently.
Koalas in home care
Quatro
Nine month old Quatro, now weighs a healthy 1.2kg and continues to thrive in Home Care! He is becoming more confident with his climbing each day, and his love for both leaf and milk is going strong. It’s been a joy to watch his personality develop as he grows into a healthy, curious young koala.
Koalas in our Care Centre
We currently have no joeys in our Koala Kindy – and of course that’s a good thing! But we still have plenty of cute photos of joeys!
Marshall
Five-year-old Marshall who was admitted towards the end of June when he was observed with a wet rump is still with us. Marshall was diagnosed with severe cystitis and his initial course of antibiotics was unsuccessful, he has since completed a second course but an ultrasound still shows a thickened bladder wall.
Marshall has been re-swabbed for Chlamydia, and we are currently awaiting the results. Additionally, a urine sample has been sent for further analysis to help us better understand why he hasn’t responded well to treatment so far.
Our team remains hopeful and committed to giving Marshall the best possible care as we continue to monitor his progress.
Little Watego
Three-year-old Little Watego captured hearts when he was discovered perched on the rocks at the water’s edge of the beach – a highly unusual sight for a koala. It’s believed he may have been pushed out of his usual habitat by larger, dominant males, but why he ended up on the rocks remains a mystery. His story shines a spotlight on the ever-shrinking koala habitat and the challenges these animals face.
Examination revealed that Little Watego had been swimming and likely ingested seawater, leading to electrolyte imbalances. Thankfully, his electrolytes have now stabilised and his Chlamydia test returned a negative.
Although he has been given the all-clear for release, we are carefully working to find a more suitable and safe location for him to return to the wild – somewhere he can thrive without further displacement. Read more about Little Watego’s rescue here.
Wilder
Wilder, is a one-year-old male koala, who was admitted in early August following a dog attack. Wilder sustained multiple wounds, including a severe injury to his left hind thigh.
All wounds have been thoroughly cleaned, and a bandage has been applied to his injured leg. Wilder has started on antibiotics and pain relief to aid his recovery. Poor boy!
As we reflect on this challenging period, we want to thank you – our incredible community – for standing with us through both the heartbreak and the hope. Every koala’s story is a reminder of the fragility of their world and the urgent need to protect their habitats. While we have faced tough losses, we are also celebrating remarkable recoveries and the resilience of these beautiful animals.
Our dedicated team continues to pour their hearts into every koala in our care, knowing that each small success helps keep this precious species thriving. The road ahead is never easy, but with your ongoing support, compassion, and love, we can face whatever comes next together.
Thank you for being part of the Friends of the Koala family – we couldn’t do this without you. If you are able to support our work in any way, please do. Every donation helps us cover the ongoing costs of rescuing and caring for injured and sick koalas We are also continuing to raise funds for our much-needed Northern Rivers Koala Hospital expansion, which will allow us to help even more koalas in the future. Your generosity truly makes a difference in giving these precious animals a second chance.
