As we head into December, things are as busy as ever here at Friends of the Koala. Summer and Christmas can often be one of the toughest periods for our team. There are no changes to our operating hours over Christmas, our volunteers will be here caring for koalas every single day, including Christmas Day itself.
With the hospital currently at full capacity, every rescue, treatment and feed takes a herculean effort. Our dedicated teams always go above and beyond, and their commitment shines even brighter at this time of year.
As is to be expected most of the koalas currently in our care have been admitted with chlamydial-related illness, a complex and often debilitating condition requiring careful monitoring and prolonged specialised treatment. We are also working with koalas suffering injuries sustained from car strikes and dog encounters – both of which remain ongoing threats to the health and survival of our local koala populations.
But first, let’s take a moment to celebrate all of our recent releases, because every release is a significant milestone, a testament to the resilience of the koalas and the dedication of everyone involved.
Eevee
Seven year old Eevee arrived in late September suffering from severe conjunctivitis that had begun to affect her vision, as well as mild cystitis. After completing a full course of antibiotics and specialised eye treatments, she responded exceptionally well. Her follow-up tests returned negative for Chlamydia, confirming her recovery. Recently, Eevee was released back to her home range in Binna Burra, bright-eyed and thriving once again.
Sumii
Three year old Sumii was admitted in early October with bilateral conjunctivitis, Sumii required careful monitoring and treatment to restore her eye health. Thankfully, this beautiful girl has now finished her antibiotics, tested negative for Chlamydia, and made a full recovery. She has since returned to the wild – a healthy young koala ready to resume life among the trees – fingers crossed we might spot Sumii with a joey next year!
Tracey
Another three year old girl, Tracey came into care in late September with conjunctivitis and cystitis. Diagnostic testing revealed underlying Chlamydia and a uterine infection, both of which required intensive treatment. We are delighted to share that all infections have been successfully resolved. Tracey was safely released home recently, fully recovered and in excellent condition. Go Tracey!!
Mr. Peanut
Mr. Peanut was admitted in late September with conjunctivitis, cystitis, and early signs of kidney compromise. This handsome boy responded well to treatment, and after completing his full course of care has been released home!
Russell
Two year old Russell, found hunched over an outdoor armchair on a member of the public’s patio in Inverell. A full assessment revealed crackly lungs, fractured ribs and pneumonia. With antibiotics, pain relief, and lots of TLC, Russell made an incredible full recovery. In early November he returned to Mount Russell (Inverell), healthy and ready for the rest of summer!
Swallow
Three year old Swallow was spotted by a member of the public wandering along a suburban street, where there were no food trees in sight. Rescuers brought him in for a complete health assessment, where he was fortunately given the all-clear for release. The team identified a nearby area with suitable habitat, and Swallow was safely released there recently.
Jynx
Five year old Jynx was rescued in mid November when she was found sitting low in a non-food tree. She was brought in for assessment and her bloodwork showed that her kidneys were struggling. Jynx was given fluids and supportive care to help them recover. Following a short but successful stay, Jynx improved rapidly and was released home – a wonderful outcome for this sweet girl!
Dancer
Dancer was admitted in late November after being struck by a car in Coorabell. Remarkably, he managed to climb a tree after the impact, making the rescue challenging. A trap was set, and he entered it safely later that evening. Thankfully, Dancer sustained only mild injuries, including swelling in his front left limb and small tongue ulcers. With anti-inflammatories and pain relief, he recovered quickly and was released just three days later – a fast, happy turnaround for this lucky boy.
Joeys in Home Care
Cob
Eight month old Cob was admitted in mid September, along with his mum Maze who was rescued after exhibiting severe neurological symptoms, including head tilt and circling. Despite intensive evaluation and care, Maze’s condition deteriorated, and she was humanely euthanised due to the severity of her neurological disease.
Little Cob appeared clinically healthy on admission and was placed into Home Care to give him the best chance of continued growth and development. His weight fluctuated at first as he adjusted, but he has since stabilised and is now steadily gaining. When Cob arrived, he weighed just 305 grams and now weighs 768 – more than double his original weight!! His progress is a wonderful testament to the dedication of his carer Liz and his own resilience. Go Cob – we are rooting for you!
Koalas in our Care Centre – Kindy Kids
Our Kindy setup has changed slightly this year. We now have two smaller enclosures, each housing two joeys. We still have access to the larger enclosure previously used for Koala Kindy and may utilise that space again if needed. For now, this new arrangement is working well for the joeys currently in care.
Wriggles
Ten month old Wriggles was rescued when she was caught on a barbed wire fence. She sustained significant abdominal wound, which has since fully healed. Wriggles has now progressed to Koala Kindy and is paired with her new buddy, Lemon. Wriggles is doing well and our vet team are happy with her progress.
Lemon
****Trigger warning.
Lemon and his mother, Lulu, were rescued following a dog attack. Both were taken to an emergency veterinary clinic for immediate care and transferred to the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital the following day for further assessment.
Sadly, Lulu had sustained severe injuries, including multiple deep puncture wounds penetrating to the caecum, significant haemorrhage and bruising, and pneumothorax, she was humanely euthanised to end her suffering.
Lemon also suffered serious trauma. He presented with haemorrhagic peritonitis (abdominal bleeding and inflammation of the stomach lining), and X-rays revealed pneumonia/pulmonary contusions. He also had an ulcer to his right eye. He was in a critical condition on arrival.
Lemon was stabilised with intravenous fluids, IV antibiotics, pain relief, and nebulisation. He was then placed into home care under an intensive care plan, with regular veterinary checks at both the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. His condition steadily improved, and he joined Kindy with Wriggles very recently – what an amazing outcome for little Lemon and we are so sorry for the loss of his mum Lulu.
Yashica
One-year-old Yashica was found alone in a tree, with her mother sadly deceased nearby. She was brought to the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital for a full health assessment, where blood tests revealed abnormalities and she returned a positive result for conjunctivitis. It is likely that her mother had chlamydia and Yashica had become infected as well.
Yashica spent time in Home Care, isolated from the other joeys while she underwent treatment for conjunctivitis. Once her condition had fully resolved, she was able to join Koala Kindy—where she is now settling in beautifully and doing very well.
Koalas in Koala Care Centre
Rosie
You might remember that this is Rosie’s second admission to our Northern Rivers Koala Hospital for currawong attacks. Rosie presented with a wound on her neck that had been previously cleaned and bandaged. Once the bandage was removed, multiple creams and ointments were trilled, but the wound failed to respond to treatment. The next step was surgical removal of the non-healing tissue. A sample was collected during the procedure and submitted for diagnostic testing. Results are pending.
Sunshine
Five year old Sunshine sustained multiple traumatic injuries, including facial bone fractures, a fracture of digit 4 on the left forelimb, a lacerated tongue, broken upper incisors, and non-septic haemorrhagic peritonitis. She spent one week in ICU receiving intravenous fluids, pain relief, and supplementary feeding.
She has now moved to an outdoor enclosure, where she continues to receive pain relief and supplementary feeds, as her oral injuries have impacted her appetite.
Unfortunately, Sunshine developed osteomyelitis (a bone infection) in digit 4 of her left forelimb. Surgery was performed to amputate the affected digit, and she was provided with appropriate analgesia post-operatively. Sunshine has adapted well and is using the limb confidently. Suture removal is scheduled for next week.
Radar
Eight year old Radar was rescued after falling from a tree. He also presented with grade 3/3 conjunctivitis and was in poor body condition. Radiographs revealed old fractures of the left clavicle and left radius, both showing signs of good healing but potentially contributing to his fall.
Radar has been admitted for chlamydial treatment and will need to demonstrate adequate climbing strength and mobility before being considered for release.
Phantom
Five year old Phantom was rescued from Possum Creek, presenting with mild conjunctivitis in his right eye and severe cystitis. Diagnostic assessments also indicated lung inflammation and mild kidney disease. He has been admitted for comprehensive chlamydial treatment. Fingers crossed for this handsome boy.
Astrid
Seven year old Astrid was rescued from Federal, he has bilateral conjunctivitis and an ear infection, along with clinical signs of chlamydia. He is in poor body condition, and his kidney function is significantly compromised. His prognosis is currently very guarded.
Treatment has commenced, including systemic antibiotics, eye ointment, and ear ointment. Please send lots of healing vibes for this boy – he needs all he can get.
Lychee
Eight year old Lychee presented with conjunctivitis in her right eye, a uterine infection, and mild kidney impairment. She was also noted to have a lactating teat, and the level of development suggests she would have recently dispersed a joey.
Lychee has begun treatment for chlamydia, which includes injectable antibiotics and daily eye ointment. Fingers crossed that she can make a full recovery.
Roberta
Eight year old Roberta from Clarence Valley was admitted with severe cystitis. Fortunately, no ovarian cysts were detected.
Perhaps because of her illness and being in care, Roberta needed a settling-in period before beginning treatment. A few days in and Roberta appeared calmer, allowing staff to commence antibiotic therapy for Chlamydia.
Taylor
Poor Taylor presented with severe conjunctivitis that is significantly impairing his vision. He is also in poor body condition, likely due to difficulty locating food as a result of his compromised eyesight. Additionally, he has an infected bite wound on his neck, consistent with a koala bite. Treatment has commenced, including antibiotics and eye ointment for chlamydia. His neck wound has been cleaned, and antiseptic ointment is being applied daily, he is young at just six years old so fingers crossed that serves him well.
Blitzen
Five year old Blitzen from Tregeagle was admitted with early-stage conjunctivitis and cystitis. He has begun treatment and is being monitored for recovery.
Ferguson
Five year old Ferguson from Montecollum, presented with low-grade conjunctivitis and has been admitted to our koala hospital for treatment. He is responding appropriately s far.
Olive
Eight year old Olive from Gum Flat in Inverell sustained significant trauma to her face and chest, including multiple facial fractures and a haemothorax. She was stabilised with intravenous fluids, strong analgesia, anti-inflammatories, and nebulisation. Her condition remains very guarded.
Picard
Four year old Picard was rescued after being hit by a car. Remarkably, he sustained only minor injuries, including facial grazes and mild soft-tissue swelling. He also shows very mild signs consistent with early chlamydial disease, including conjunctival inflammation and bladder-wall thickening. We are awaiting swab results to determine whether chlamydia treatment will be required.
Do you know how to recognise a sick or injured koala?
The koalas in our care this month remind us just how much support our local population needs to survive – whether it’s orphaned joeys, adults recovering from car strikes or dog attacks, or the many koalas battling chlamydial-related disease. Every one of them depends on the dedication of our volunteers, the expertise of our veterinary team, and the generosity of the community standing alongside us.
As we continue treating complex cases and work towards long-term solutions such as widespread koala vaccination, your support is more important than ever. Our hospital expansion and upgraded facilities will help us rescue, treat, and release more koalas when they need us most. If you’re able, please consider donating to our Christmas Appeal or joining us as a Friend of the Koala Hospital. And if this size donation isn’t possible right now, adopting a koala makes a meaningful gift for the animal-lovers in your life.
Thank you for being part of the Friends of the Koala community, and for helping us care for the koalas who need it most.
Ways to give this Christmas:
- Adopt a Koala $50/$100
- Adopt a Tree $15/tree
- Joey Buddies Membership $15/month
- Become a Friend of the Koala Hospital $500+
- Leave a Bequest – costs nothing in this lifetime
- Vaccinate a Koala from $10
- Gift membership – from $15
- Give in someone’s name – we can create a digital certificate for gifting!
If you enjoyed reading this, you might also enjoy learning more about koalas and how you can help us to protect them:
