Autumn has arrived here in the Southern Hemisphere and brought with it another busy period to our Northern Rivers Koala Hospital and Koala Care Centre. While there have been some very difficult and heartbreaking cases this month, we always take the opportunity in this monthly update to celebrate the koalas who made it through treatment and rehabilitation, so let’s begin with our most recent releases.
Releases
At the end of March, Wriggles and Lemon’s soft release enclosures were opened, giving them the opportunity to begin exploring their new surroundings at their own pace. Ferguson, who had a long period in care, spent a short time in soft release before finally heading home, whilst Clay, Gunter and Baloo also returned to the wild following successful treatment for chlamydia. Ringo, our star patient and ‘no fuss’ koala, sailed through his treatment with no supplementary feeds or additional support – way to go, Ringo!
Patience and Puddles were successfully released at the beginning of the month, whilst two-year-old Poppi, who arrived in care with a grave prognosis, has made a remarkable recovery and has now moved into soft release. It really is fantastic to see her make such an incredible turnaround.
Little Celestine from Coraki, who was found in a quarry pit, thankfully only needed a short stay in care before she too was able to return home.
Finally, Five-year-old Napier also returned a negative chlamydia result. However, as he has been in care for a long period of time, he has gone to plantation to rebuild his strength before being released back into the wild – wish him luck!
As is often the case at this time of year, many of our koala joeys have now grown up and been released, which is always bittersweet for our carers and volunteers. While it is hard to say goodbye, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing these koalas healthy, strong and back where they belong.
Thank you, as always, to our incredible veterinary team, carers, rescuers, hotline operators and entire team of volunteers and supporters. The dedication, expertise and compassion shown every day is reflected in the remarkable outcomes achieved for so many koalas in our care.
Koala Kindy – Cob, Kris and Cassy
Our youngest patients are also growing up fast. Cob, Kris and Cassy are now in Kindy and continue to grow and explore their surroundings. Kris will move to soft release next week – and he now weighs 3.4 kg!
Rosie
Eight-year-old Rosie has tested negative for cryptococcosis, which is a huge achievement for Rosie and her care team. Due to the nature of the disease, Rosie will need to stay with us for another month or so and achieve two further negative results before she is ready for release.
Cryptococcosis is a very challenging disease with often poor outcomes, so this is a fantastic result. Thank you so much to everyone involved in Rosie’s care.
Rudolf
Seven-year-old Rudolf has now gone over twenty days without needing insulin, suggesting that his diabetes is entering remission. This is yet another rare and incredible outcome – amazing Rudolf, keep up the great work!
Memphis
Eight-year-old Memphis has successfully completed his chlamydia treatment. However, he has developed a skin condition and has been displaying some abnormal behaviours. We are running further tests to try to diagnose the issue – fingers crossed he makes a full recovery.
Otter
Four-year-old Otter was admitted at the end of March with severe cystitis and conjunctivitis in his right eye. He has just completed a course of antibiotics and will be retested in two weeks.
Reece
Ten-year-old Reece was found up a power pole and our rescue team needed a cherry picker to bring her safely down. Reece was very dehydrated on arrival and was placed on intravenous fluids for a few days. Her hydration has improved and luckily she appears to be otherwise healthy. She has returned a negative chlamydia result and will be released soon.
Jakku
Five-year-old Jakku was admitted recently with conjunctivitis and has now commenced treatment.
Rusty
Six-year-old Rusty was also admitted recently with severe cystitis, an old eye injury and kidney issues. He has been stabilised on intravenous fluids before commencing treatment for his chlamydia.
These incredible outcomes are only possible because of the dedication of our veterinary team and the entire volunteer team who work tirelessly every day to give koalas a second chance. From complex cases like Rosie, Rudolf and Poppi to the many koalas who have returned safely to the wild this month, the work being done at Friends of the Koala continues to make a remarkable difference for koalas across the Northern Rivers.
Of course, we couldn’t do it without your support and as the number and complexity of cases continues to grow, so too does the need for expanded facilities. Friends of the Koala is currently working towards expanding the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital so that even more koalas can receive the specialist treatment and care they need. If you would like to help make more success stories possible, please consider supporting the hospital expansion and the ongoing work of Friends of the Koala.
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