Welcome to May at Friends of the Koala. It’s that time of year again when things start to feel a little quieter around the Care Centre. Many of our koalas have now been released back home to the wild, and with only a couple of joeys currently in care, the Koala Kindy is feeling much calmer than it did over summer!
Of course, this quieter period is always short-lived and gives our team a valuable opportunity to catch up on the many administrative, maintenance and operational tasks that are difficult to tackle during peak season. Behind the scenes, there is still plenty happening as we prepare for the busy breeding season ahead — somehow only a month away already!
First up as always are our release updates!
Napier
Five-year-old Napier completed his course of treatment and returned a negative chlamydia result before heading to plantation to rebuild his strength. After spending time there rebuilding condition and recovering his strength, we’re very pleased to report that he is now preparing for release and should be heading back home to the wild very soon, good luck Napier!
Kris
After spending nearly six months in care, Kris has grown into a confident young koala alongside his little buddies Cob and Cassy. After arriving under such sad circumstances earlier this year, it has been incredibly rewarding to watch him regain his strength, confidence and the skills he needs for life in the wild.
Kris’ journey is a wonderful reflection of the dedication and commitment of our volunteer rescue, transport and care teams, who have supported him every step of the way throughout his rehabilitation.
We are very pleased to report that Kris is ready to begin the next stage of his journey, transitioning to soft release where he will be monitored as he explores the big trees and continues building his independence. Well done Kris!
Reece
Ten-year-old Reece was rescued after being found perched high on a power pole, with a cherry picker needed to safely bring her down. On admission, Reece was very dehydrated and required several days of intravenous fluids while she recovered.
Thankfully, Reece responded very well to treatment and her hydration has now greatly improved. Even better, aside from her dehydration, Reece appears healthy. She is now preparing for release and should be heading back home to the wild very soon!
Rudolf
After 138 days in care, we are incredibly excited to share some wonderful news about Rudolf. Following treatment for severe conjunctivitis and prostatitis, and after being closely monitored for diabetes, Rudolf has now tested negative for chlamydia and his diabetes has officially gone into remission!
This is a huge milestone for Rudolf and a very rewarding outcome for everyone involved in his care. With his blood glucose levels now stable and no longer requiring insulin, he has finally been given the all clear to return home.
Rudolf is now settling beautifully in soft release, where he will continue adjusting to life back in the wild while being closely monitored by our team. We couldn’t be happier for him!
Memphis
Memphis has made excellent progress since coming into care earlier this year with severe conjunctivitis affecting both eyes. He has now successfully completed his course of chlamydia treatment and continues to improve each week.
Even better, Memphis’ skin condition has almost completely resolved and he is looking much healthier and brighter. As the next stage of his rehabilitation journey, he will be moving to plantation next week where he can continue rebuilding his strength and fitness in preparation for his eventual return to the wild.
Otter
Four-year-old Otter has responded very well to treatment since being admitted at the end of March with severe cystitis and conjunctivitis in his right eye.
Following his course of antibiotics, Otter has now returned a negative chlamydia result, a fantastic outcome for this young koala. With his condition continuing to improve, he is now preparing for release and should be heading back home to the wild very soon.
Koala Kindy
Cassy & Cob
With most of this season’s joeys now grown and released, Cassy and Cob are the last two little residents still in Koala Kindy and they are both continuing to thrive.
Watching these two confidently explore the outdoor enclosures, test their climbing skills and practice increasingly ambitious leaps between branches is incredibly rewarding, especially considering how fragile they both were when they first arrived in care.
Cob has now been with us since September after losing his mum Maze, who sadly deteriorated from severe neurological disease shortly after rescue. Tiny Cob weighed just 305 grams on admission and needed intensive support as he adjusted to life in care. Over the past eight months, he has gradually grown into a bright, active young koala thanks to his own resilience and the extraordinary dedication of his carers.
Cassy’s journey has also been a remarkable one. When she arrived earlier this year after being found alone in a car park, she was critically compromised, emaciated, dehydrated and requiring intensive supportive care to stabilise her. To now see her healthy, active and confidently keeping up with Cob in Kindy feels incredibly special.
Both joeys continue to make excellent progress as they build their strength, confidence and independence, and it hopefully won’t be too long before Cassy and Cob are also preparing to head back home to the wild.
Koala Care Centre
Rosie
We are very happy to share that Rosie continues to do well in care and has now returned another negative result for cryptococcosis — a fantastic outcome for this lovely girl and her dedicated care team.
As cryptococcosis can be a very difficult disease to treat and monitor, Rosie will need to remain in care a little longer while we cautiously monitor her progress. She will require one more negative result before she is able to safely return home to the wild.
Rosie has come such a long way since being admitted last year, and we are incredibly hopeful she is now nearing the final stages of her rehabilitation journey.
Jakku
Five-year-old Jakku remains in care receiving treatment for conjunctivitis. He is continuing his course of antibiotics and is being closely monitored by our veterinary and care teams as he recovers.
At this stage, Jakku is progressing steadily and we are hopeful he will continue improving over the coming weeks.
Peppermint
Two-year-old Peppermint was admitted in April suffering from severe cystitis and conjunctivitis. On arrival, she was extremely dehydrated, underweight and in very poor condition. Further veterinary assessment also identified underlying kidney disease, adding additional challenges to her recovery.
Peppermint spent several days in ICU receiving intravenous fluids and intensive supportive care before she was stable enough to be moved back outside to continue treatment in her enclosure.
While Peppermint has shown some improvement since admission, she remains a very fragile little koala and her prognosis is still sadly very guarded. Our veterinary and care teams continue to monitor her closely and provide all the support possible as she continues her treatment journey.
Haze
Six-year-old Haze was recently admitted after being observed sitting in a tree showing signs of conjunctivitis and cystitis. A trap was safely set and Haze was successfully captured and brought into the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital for assessment and treatment.
Following veterinary examination, Haze was diagnosed with moderate cystitis and conjunctivitis affecting his right eye. He has now commenced treatment and will remain in care while our veterinary and care teams closely monitor his progress over the coming weeks.
Laurel
Five-year-old Laurel was recently admitted into care suffering from cystitis and severe conjunctivitis. Following veterinary assessment, he has now commenced a course of antibiotics along with ongoing eye medications to help manage the inflammation and infection.
Laurel will remain under close observation while he undergoes treatment, and we’re hopeful he will respond well over the coming weeks.
As we head towards another busy breeding season, we would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible community that makes this work possible. From our rescuers and transport volunteers through to carers, veterinary staff and supporters, every koala featured in this month’s update is here because of the time, compassion and dedication of so many people.
With demand for koala rescue and rehabilitation continuing to grow, expanding the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital remains one of our most important priorities. The planned expansion will provide additional treatment areas and improved rehabilitation spaces, helping us deliver the highest standard of care to even more koalas in need. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have now raised just over $108,000 towards our $500,000 goal — an incredible start, but we still have a long way to go.
As we prepare for the months ahead, we are also urgently seeking more volunteers to join our team before breeding season begins again. Whether you have a few hours a week to spare, are looking to give back to your community, or perhaps have recently retired or reduced your work commitments, there are so many valuable ways to contribute. No matter your background or experience, volunteers play a vital role in every part of koala rescue and rehabilitation.
If you would like to support the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital expansion or learn more about volunteering with Friends of the Koala, we would love to hear from you.
