We are all enjoying the mild relief that winter brings to the Northern Rivers – cooler days, crisp mornings, and even better… all of our kindy joeys have been successfully released back into the wild! While that’s certainly worth a happy dance, the work doesn’t stop here! We still have several koalas in care in the our Koala Care Centre, and our dedicated team of volunteers continue to support conservation efforts across the region, from rescue and rehab to habitat protection and beyond!

Each month we start with our koala release updates – every release is a cause for celebration, particularly joeys. Sometimes our volunteers have time to give a special update and this is one of those times with Higgins, the orphaned joey of Missy – we hope you enjoy it!

Higgins

For those who don’t know her yet, Higgins came into our care at Friends of the Koala back in early February with her mum, Missy. Sadly, Missy suffered an allergic reaction to multiple bee stings and, despite our best efforts, didn’t make it. But little Higgins was strong and healthy, and thanks to the dedicated care in Home Care and Koala Kindy, she thrived.

Last month, we shared that Higgins had begun her soft release journey – and now we’re thrilled to report that after twelve days, the gates were opened and Higgins is officially back in the wild!

Being an orphan, Higgins missed out on her mum’s guidance – particularly when it comes to learning how to perch safely in trees during rough weather. And rough it was. In her first week of freedom, Higgins faced cold overnight temperatures, heavy rain, and gale-force winds. Our release team even found her curled up on the ground during the wild winds – but luckily, she was just sheltering, and we are hopeful she will start choosing higher spots in future storms.

Despite the challenges, Higgins has been absolutely kicking goals. The team has monitored her closely and introduced her to the local leaf smorgasbord – blue gums, flooded gums, and grey gums. She’s been confidently moving through the trees, climbing as high as 20–25 metres between tall tallowwoods and red gums.

Higgins has also ventured beyond the compound and the local landholder recently spotted her in a tall tallowwood with another koala nearby – possibly a healthy male. Could it be her dad?

We are so proud of our team, who work tirelessly to give koalas like Higgins a second chance, and deeply grateful to the landholders who help protect koala habitat.

Do you want to be part of the solution? Every patch of habitat counts! We can help assess your property’s potential to support koalas – read more in our habitat restoration for landholders page and get in touch if you have any questions.

Higgins is a great success story of rescue, rehabilitation and release and gives our volunteers a much needed boost.

Fumie and Chui

Not to diminish the importance of the other koala releases this month, we said goodbye to Fumie whose soft release was opened as well as to Chui. We wish them all the very best in their wild adventures in the future.

Whiskey

Whiskey, a six year old male koala, was admitted to our Koala Hospital in May after a concerned member of the public spotted him in a tree with crusty, inflamed eyes.

He completed a full course of antibiotics, the infection in his eyes cleared up and on his re-test for Chlamydia he was all clear. After seven weeks rehabilitating with us, Whiskey has gone home!

Thanks to the quick actions of the community, our volunteers and expert veterinary team, Whiskey is well on the road to recovery. Do you know how to spot the signs of a sick koala?

Humphrey

Three-year-old Humphrey responded excellently to antibiotics for his Chlamydia-related cystitis. He completed the full course of treatment, retested negative, and was discharged in great shape — go Humphrey!

Clark Kent

Four-year-old Clark Kent successfully completed his course of antibiotics and eye drops for bilateral conjunctivitis. Follow-up testing was clear, and he’s now back home — way to go, Clark!

Midnight

Midnight, a young male estimated to be around two to three years old, was admitted after a dog attack that caused significant soft tissue trauma to his left hind leg and pelvis, resulting in extensive bruising and swelling. He made a full recovery and was recently released back into the wild.

Stevie and Nix

Stevie and her pouch young joey Nix, were recently rescued from Lindendale after being found entangled in netting. Four-year-old Stevie sustained minor injuries and received treatment, whilst five-and-a-half-month-old Nix, still safely tucked in her pouch and just starting to fur, was thankfully unharmed. Both mum and joey were admitted for observation but required only a short stay before being given the all clear and were released home!

Zelly and Elara

Zelly, a four-year-old, and her six-month-old joey Elara were recently involved in a rescue effort after Elara was found alone, having fallen from her mother’s back. Fortunately, Elara was unharmed and was taken into overnight home care with Liz for monitoring. The following day, our incredible rescue team located and safely captured Zelly so the pair could be reunited.

That same day, Zelly and Elara were successfully brought back together in one of our large rehabilitation enclosures, where they spent the night under close observation. A monitoring camera was installed to ensure both were moving well and behaving normally before being cleared. The reunion went beautifully — both mum and joey were thriving and eager to return to the wild. They were released together, back where they belong. Some of you might remember Zelly visited us briefly in 2023 when a member of the public found her trying to get out of her backyard – you can read more about Zelly’s first rescue here.

Let’s hope this little one and her joey stay out of trouble in future! Do you know how to create a koala-friendly backyard? Please read more here.

Quatro

Little Quatro is tipping the scales at 647g – that’s almost triple what he weighed when he first came into care at our Koala Hospital. Go Quatro!

We are happy to report that the gas in his stomach has completely resolved, and he is munching away on fresh leaf as well as still enjoying his milk feeds. He is also learning to climb! What a little trouper and thanks to Liz for all of her hard work hand raising this little orphaned joey.

Husk

Husk continues to improve and we are quietly confident that he will finally kick this nasty infection. Whilst he continues his antibiotic treatment he is officially bandage free and the wound is healing nicely. The swelling has reduced and he is starting to use his leg – yay! We are very happy with his progress! Poor Husk has had a tough rehabilitation journey but he is obviously a warrior and seems to take it in his stride thanks to our incredible volunteers!!

Duke

Last month we offered a guarded prognosis on Duke but we are happy to report that his rehabilitation is going well. The wound on his forelimb has healed, his antibiotic treatment is complete and he has retested negative for Chlamydia. We have moved him to a larger enclosure so that he move around and climb more as we would like his body condition to improve more prior to release. Go Duke! We are all cheering you on!

Storm

Storm recently completed a short course of antibiotic treatment for Chlamydia – he was observed up a tree with conjunctivitis. In some cases, a shorter course may be appropriate when signs are mild or to assess early responsiveness to treatment. Following the course, Storm was re-swabbed for Chlamydia; however, his results unfortunately returned positive. As a result, he has restarted antibiotics to ensure complete resolution of the infection. We will continue to monitor his progress closely.

King

Seven year old King, was admitted to our Northern Rivers Koala Hospital in mid June following signs of conjunctivitis. On examination, it was confirmed that he is suffering from severe conjunctivitis in both eyes, ear infections in both ears, and a widespread skin condition. Poor boy!!

King received comprehensive treatment, including antibiotics, eye drops, and ear medication – his course of antibiotics is complete and he will be retested in a couple of weeks. King is in good hands, and has responded well to treatment. Sending strength to this brave boy on his road to recovery.

Tay

Five year old Tay was admitted in mid June with conjunctivitis. Tay also has an old injury to his right leg. He has begun antibiotic treatment and eye medications.

Marshall

Marshall is a five year old male who was observed with a wet rump, he has severe cystitis and under general anaesthetic his rump was washed to remove the urine. This poorly boy has begun antibiotic treatment as well as anti inflammatories. He has tolerated treatment so far and his rump has improved a lot – you’ve got this Marshall!

Thumper

Thumper has mild conjunctivitis and severe cystitis. He seems to be responding well to his treatment so far – fingers crossed! He looks like he is smiling – what a cutie!

Don’t forget – koala breeding season has officially begun and that means koalas are more active – especially young male koalas who are dispersing and especially at dusk and dawn. During breeding season koalas may come down onto roads where they are at increased risk of being hit by a car or attacked by a dog. If you would like to know more about how you can help koalas during breeding season please visit:

• Koalas and cars
• Koalas and dogs
• Recognise a sick or injured koala
• Video of how to recognise a sick or injured koala
• Report a sighting of a healthy koala

A recent study found that two-thirds of koala mortalities occur during these brief ground excursions, due largely to habitat fragmentation, vehicle strikes, and dog attacks.

With only about ten minutes spent on the ground each day, even small stretches of cleared land or roadside crossings can be deadly. Protecting habitat connectivity and raising public awareness during this critical period could make a lifesaving difference.