The Northern Rivers Koala Hospital officially opened in 2021 although we employed our first Veterinary Surgeon and received the approval to operate a specialist Koala Hospital in 2020, 5 years ago now.
Since then, the demand for our services has continued to grow in response to the increasingly challenging environment for koalas. We now tend to more sick and injured koalas than any other Koala Hospital on the East Coast of Australia, admitting more than 350 koalas to the hospital each year. But we want to do so much more to protect our beloved koalas.
This is why we are delighted about the WWF’s Regenerate Australia program grant for the expansion of the hospital which is a testament to the good results we have achieved since opening it’s doors. We’re so excited to grow our capabilities and continue this vital work together with our partner.
Work is about to commence on our Northern Rivers Koala Hospital
We are beyond thrilled to announce our long-awaited hospital upgrade is scheduled to commence in early June this year. This upgrade will include the addition of a state-of-the-art Research and Diagnostics Laboratory, which we previously introduced here.
What does the upgrade to the hospital mean for the treatment of koalas?
This expansion represents a significant advancement in koala care for our region. In response to the growing demand for rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation services, the new facilities will increase our capacity to support a greater number of koalas in need – providing them with exceptional quality of care and the best possible chance to recover and return to the wild.
Whilst we have always provided the gold standard in treatment, the facilities have limited our ability to perform specialised procedures such as endoscopies, advanced orthopaedics and dental surgery.
Expansion of the hospital will allow us to have a separate surgical space, a designated laboratory, x-ray room, pharmacy, necropsy room, treatment room, recovery area and Intensive Care Unit’s (ICU’s). It will enable us to install state-of-the-art equipment, and the hospital will be designed specifically for koalas and their needs, ensuring our koala patients continue to receive the expert care they so desperately need to survive. The expansion will significantly improve the facilities available to our incredible veterinary team and volunteers, enabling them to perform their work more effectively
Photos of the clinic and Burribi
Community Education Centre
The upgrade to our Community Education Centre “Burribi” will provide more room for education and community engagement allowing us to host more visitors (local, interstate and international) and educate them about koalas and the threats they face. It will also help us to teach our local community how to identify sick koalas and when to call our 24/7 rescue hotline on 02 6622 1233.
Will our hospital expansion help treat more koalas?
We already rescue and treat all sick, injured and orphaned koalas in the Northern Rivers, but significant increases in car-hits, disease and extreme weather events have demonstrated the need for the expansion of our hospital and rehabilitation facilities.
This expansion will allow more space in the hospital itself, and more space for koalas to recover and prepare for their release back into the wild. Increased capacity will also ensure we are better equipped for catastrophic events such as fires and floods and enable us to continue to participate in research projects that protect koalas from the deadly disease Chlamydia – the main cause of death for koalas in the Northern Rivers.
This isn’t just bricks and mortar; it’s about building a stronger future for one of Australia’s most iconic species.
What kind of impact will this upgrade have on our mission?
For almost forty years, Friends of the Koala has been on the frontline of the battle to save the species. Through habitat protection and restoration, 24/7 rescue and rehabilitation, a fully licensed Koala Hospital and ground-breaking research, we do what it takes to ensure their survival. Our hospital upgrade will allow us to provide an enhanced level of care for our patients, whilst providing a better working environment for our team. The Research & Diagnostics Laboratory will also allow us to participate in many more research projects that will help in the long-term management and protection of koalas not only in the Northern Rivers, but throughout Australia.
To maximise the chances of successful rehabilitation and long-term survival for koalas in an increasingly challenging environment, it is essential that we remain at the forefront of scientific research into koala health. This includes advancing preventative healthcare strategies and contributing to the development of critical interventions such as vaccines for Chlamydia and koala retrovirus.
Educating the community about koalas and the challenges they face is an important part of our mission, as we rely on collective support to ensure their continued survival.
Work has already begun clearing out the area thanks to our amazing volunteers:
Fundraising
Construction costs have increased significantly and we are in need of additional funding to make the most of this Koala Hospital expansion project. Donating to the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital is an excellent way to support the conservation and preservation of one of Australia’s most beloved animals.
Your donation will go towards the construction of new facilities and the purchase of essential equipment. By donating to our Koala Hospital, you will be making a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of these iconic animals. Every dollar counts and your contribution will help ensure the survival of this beloved species for generations to come.
“Friends of the Koala is very excited the long-anticipated DA for the expansion to the facilities is before council. The current facilities at Friends of the Koala were first built in 1997 by dedicated volunteers who fundraised and built the original care facility and community education centre. The expansion will greatly enhance the capacity of our Koala Hospital and Community Education Centre and improve the working conditions for our staff and over 170 volunteers”.
Quote Aliison Kelly, President
Partner thanks
This project is proudly supported by WWF’s Regenerate Australia program, our amazing partner and supporter. WWF-Australia is the primary funder for the hospital expansion. Their commitment to koala conservation has helped make this dream a reality. We’re so excited to grow our capabilities and continue this vital work together.
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