March has arrived, marking the beginning of autumn and our gradual transition to milder weather. While temperatures are still reaching the high twenties (around 80°F for some of our overseas friends), the seasonal shift brings welcome relief to our dedicated volunteer team, whose roles can be physically demanding.
If you’ve ever considered volunteering with us, now is a wonderful time to get involved. We are currently recruiting for:
- Leaf Harvesters – collecting fresh eucalyptus leaves to feed koalas in care
- Koala Carers – providing hands-on support for koalas during rehabilitation
- Hotline Responders – assisting members of the public reporting sick or injured koalas
Each of these roles plays a vital part in our rescue, rehabilitation and release work. Volunteering with Friends of the Koala is not only meaningful and impactful, but also deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to wildlife conservation in our region while being part of a passionate and supportive community.
This week, we celebrated World Wildlife Day, alongside the official launch of our Northern Rivers Koala Hospital Expansion Campaign, marking a significant milestone in our 40th anniversary year. For four decades, our dedicated volunteers and supporters have worked tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and release koalas across the Northern Rivers, and now we are looking to the future to ensure this essential work can continue and grow.
We are incredibly grateful to our local champions, Team Koala, for helping to kickstart the campaign with a generous donation. To every donor who has supported us — thank you. Every dollar raised directly funds the protection and treatment of our precious koalas, giving injured and orphaned wildlife a second chance at life in the wild.
As we celebrate forty years of care, we also acknowledge the many koalas still needing assistance. The expansion of our hospital will deliver improved facilities, increased capacity, and better outcomes for the koalas who rely on us during their most vulnerable moments.
March also brings another special occasion close to koala hearts, World Eucalyptus Day. Eucalyptus trees are far more than a food source; they provide shelter, safety and the foundation for koala survival. This month offers a wonderful opportunity for our community to:
🌱 Plant a native eucalyptus species suitable for your area
🌳 Protect existing koala habitat on your property
📚 Learn about local koala food tree species
🤝 Support habitat restoration initiatives
By celebrating eucalyptus trees, we celebrate koalas because without healthy habitat, there can be no healthy koala population.
Now, let’s take a look at what’s been happening on the ground this month, and the koalas who have come through our care…
Releases
Chops
Eighteen month old male koala, Chops was admitted to care with an old injury to his left eye. Fortunately, the wound had already healed and did not require any treatment. After a brief stay for observation, Chops was cleared for release and safely returned to the wild.
Ferguson
We have some wonderful news – Ferguson finally tested negative for Chlamydia and has gone to plantation for pre-release housing, where he can gradually acclimatise back to the wild following his extended period in care undergoing treatment and recovery. He will also have time to regrow the fur on his bum that was shaved to treat his fungal infection.
Ferguson has been with us since November last year so this is a real celebration for our volunteers and vet team. In plantation, he will build strength and confidence climbing the larger trees in preparation for his return to the wild. We look forward to seeing him released back into his home range very soon.
Olive
Eight year old Olive is still in pre-release with Tanya – fingers crossed this beauty can go home soon.
Yashica and Kyoko
Little Yashica and Kyoko both headed off to soft release where we could monitor their progress in the big trees – we are delighted to say that both soft releases were opened and they are now off on their wild adventures.
Where possible, we aim to buddy joeys together during soft release to help ease their transition back to the wild, as companionship can reduce stress and support confidence while they re-establish themselves.
In Yashica and Kyoko’s case, however, they were rescued from different home ranges. To maintain their natural territorial and genetic integrity, each must be returned to their original rescue location. As a result, Yashica went to a different soft release site to Kyoko.
The release of joeys who have spent many months in our care is always a very special moment for our team. We are thrilled to have them back in the wild and look forward to hopefully, one day, spotting Yashica with a joey of her own.
Wriggles and Lemon
Wriggles and Lemon have both headed off to soft release – yay!
Wriggles, who was with us for almost six months, is absolutely thriving and on her last weigh-in before release, tipped the scales at over 3kg (she definitely loves her leaf!). Now fourteen months old, she has become a great little buddy for Lemon, and the two kept each other thoroughly entertained during their time in Koala Kindy.
Lemon, also fourteen months old, is full of energy and loves practising his jumping and climbing. He’s also thriving and weighs over 3kg.
While Lemon was very eager to explore his new surroundings from the get-go, Wriggles has been a little more reserved — though still very interested in climbing a new tree. Both are doing really well so far – next stop is freedom!
Koalas in Home Care
Cob
Little Cob is now eleven months old! He is eating well and gaining weight steadily and currently tips the scales at almost 2kg! Cob remains in Home Care with Renata and has been paired with a new buddies – Kris and Cassy – all three are progressing beautifully together and have been moved to a bigger enclosure outside where they can practice climbing and jumping.
Kris
Twelve month old Kris has settled well into Home Care. He continues to improve since his initial rescue and is enjoying Cob and Cassy’s company. They make such a cute squad and will no doubt be up to lots of joey hijinx as they grow stronger.
Cassy
Ten month old Cassy has come a long way and is doing very well in care. She is taking her milk feeds consistently and enjoying plenty of fresh leaf, with her weight and overall body condition continuing to improve steadily.
Koala Care Centre
Rosie
Eight-year-old Rosie was admitted to our koala hospital in October for her second visit and underwent surgery on her neck. While her surgical wound healed beautifully, she was later diagnosed with cryptococcus, a serious fungal infection that requires long-term antifungal treatment.
Recently, Rosie experienced a setback. Her appetite decreased, and she lost some weight, so her medication was paused for a week while our veterinary team closely monitored her and reassessed her treatment plan.
We’re pleased to share that Rosie’s appetite and weight have since improved during her short break from the antifungal medication. She has now recommenced treatment, her bloods have recently been checked to check her cryptococcus levels and ensure the medication is working effectively – we are waiting on the results.
Rosie is expected to need several more months of care, and we’re doing everything we can to support her recovery every step of the way. Please continue to wish her well and send your love her way – she needs all the support she can get!
Rudolf
Rudolph was admitted after a concerned member of the public contacted our rescue hotline upon spotting him sitting low in a tree with obvious signs of conjunctivitis. He was safely rescued and transported to the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital (NRKH) for a full assessment, where he was diagnosed with bilateral grade 3 conjunctivitis and prostatitis. Rudolph has since completed a full course of antibiotics.
At his end-of-treatment examination, our vets detected a very high blood glucose level, and he was subsequently diagnosed with diabetes. The cause remains unclear, particularly as he has not been treated with steroids, which can sometimes be a contributing factor.
We’re pleased to share that Rudolph has tested negative for chlamydia – great news for this big boy! However, his blood glucose levels remain elevated. He continues to be managed with daily insulin injections, and encouragingly, the dose he requires has decreased, which is a positive sign. We’re hopeful that with a bit more time, we may be able to fully wean him off insulin, for now, his blood glucose levels seem to be very slowly improving.
Rudolph remains under close monitoring by our care team. And while we’re talking about him – how gorgeous is that beautiful dark nose and lovely chubby chin?
******Trigger warning******
Gideon
Five-year-old Gideon returned to our care for a third time, having previously been treated for chlamydia on two occasions. His first admission in March was for conjunctivitis and mild cystitis, and he was readmitted again in September for mild conjunctivitis.
This time, Gideon presented with severe cystitis. His bladder was extremely thickened, and a very wet rump suggested the condition had likely been affecting him for some time. He had also lost noticeable weight and body condition since he was last seen in October.
On arrival, Gideon was rehydrated and started on pain relief and supplementary feeding. After several days of supportive care, he commenced antibiotics and was closely monitored by our veterinary team, who did everything they could to give him the best chance of recovery.
Sadly, despite treatment, Gideon’s cystitis was very severe and did not respond as we had hoped. He continued to show signs of pain, even with ongoing pain relief. On 20/2, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanise Gideon to prevent any further suffering.
This was a heartbreaking decision for our veterinary team and volunteers, who cared deeply for him. While we always strive for recovery and release, our priority is, and always will be, the welfare and dignity of the koalas in our care.
Fly high, beautiful Gideon.
Baloo
Six-year-old Baloo was admitted at the end of January with severe conjunctivitis and mild cystitis.
He began treatment, including antibiotics, eye medication and pain relief. After close monitoring, Baloo has responded well. He has now completed his treatment and his eyes are looking much better!
He has been retested to see if he is chlamydia-free and able to return home – we are awaiting his results.
Patience and Puddles
Both Patience and Puddles have finished their Chlamydia treatment, encouragingly, both have shown great signs of improvement in their eyes. They will remain under supervision to monitor their recovery and will be retested to see if they are both Chlamydia-free before they can go home.
Memphis
Memphis, an eight-year-old male, was recently admitted to care after being observed sitting in a tree with obvious signs of conjunctivitis. He was successfully rescued that evening so he could receive urgent veterinary attention.
On examination, Memphis was found to have severe conjunctivitis affecting both eyes. He has now commenced treatment and will remain in care while we monitor his response closely.
We’re hopeful he’ll respond well and look forward to sharing updates on his progress.
Napier
Napier, a five-year-old male, was recently admitted to care after a concerned member of the public noticed he was sitting low in a tree with what appeared to be an infected eye. Our rescue team attended and Napier was brought in the following morning.
On veterinary examination, Napier was diagnosed with mild conjunctivitis in his right eye and mild cystitis. He has just completed his course of treatment, including antibiotic injections and medicated eye ointment, and will be retested in a couple of weeks time.
We’re hopeful he has responded well to treatment and look forward to seeing him back to full health.
Gunter
Ten year old Gunter was admitted after a member of the public noticed him sitting in a tree with a visibly infected eye. Upon assessment, he was diagnosed with severe conjunctivitis in his right eye. Gunter has now commenced treatment, and we will continue to monitor his response closely.
Poppi
Two-year-old Poppi from Inverell was admitted in a very compromised state, suffering from moderate cystitis and conjunctivitis. On arrival she was hypoglycaemic, hypothermic, and in very poor body condition. After three days of intensive supportive care in our hospital ICU, including intravenous fluids, Poppi has made a significant improvement. She is now bright enough to come off IV fluids and has moved to an outside enclosure. While she remains in poor body condition and is receiving supplementary feeding, she is now stable enough to begin antibiotics to treat her cystitis and conjunctivitis, along with eye medications. Come on Poppi – you can do it girl!
Ringo
Nine year old Ringo was sighted by a member of the public sitting on a fence post in East Lismore with obvious signs of conjunctivitis. The rescue team was able to capture him easily and transport him to the hospital for assessment. On examination, Ringo was found to have severe conjunctivitis in both eyes. He has now commenced treatment with antibiotics and eye medications.
Jimmy
Nine year old Jimmy from Yellow Dam in Inverell was admitted with severe conjunctivitis in both eyes. On arrival he was quite stressed, so treatment was delayed for a few days to allow him time to settle. Jimmy has now adjusted well to his surroundings and has commenced treatment with antibiotics and eye medications.
Clay
Seven year old Clay from Marom Creek was admitted after being observed with signs of eye disease. On assessment he was found to have severe conjunctivitis affecting both eyes. He has since commenced treatment with antibiotics and eye medications and will continue to be closely monitored by the veterinary team.
Celestine
Celestine, a female aged approximately 2-3 years old from Coraki was found on the ground in a quarry pit, wet and covered in mud. She was brought into care and placed under general anaesthetic so she could receive a warm bath and thorough clean to remove the mud. Following examination, no signs of injury or disease were detected. Celestine is currently being monitored in hospital, and we are hopeful this will be a short stay for her.
Thank you for reading this months update, as always, every koala in our care represents not only a life worth saving, but the collective effort of our volunteers, veterinary team, donors and community members who make this work possible. Thank you for continuing to stand with us — your support enables rescue, rehabilitation and release, and gives these remarkable animals the second chance they deserve. Together, we look forward to many more success stories in the months ahead.
If you enjoyed reading this update, you might enjoy the following:
