G’Day from the Northern Rivers! Somehow, it’s November already, and we are right in the thick of peak season. Our amazing team continues to pour their hearts into every rescue and release, whilst also caring for the koalas who remain in our care – the work that truly keeps our mission afloat.

Behind the scenes, an incredible network of volunteers keeps everything running. From the call centre operators who coordinate rescues, to the leafers and harvesters who provide fresh food each day; from those maintaining our site and keeping it looking its best, to the educators spreading awareness and the advocates standing up for koalas and their habitat, every single person plays a vital role. Not to mention our nursery team, growing and selling trees for the future, strengthening the foundation of our work.

Their compassion and dedication make all the difference. Even on the hardest days, hope keeps us moving forward, because for our koalas, there is always something worth fighting for.

We are delighted to report Juanito, Beryl, Gideon, Dory, Mr. Peanut, Russell, Tracey and Eevee have all been released home, whilst others are still on the mend.

Juanito

Four-year-old Juanito was rescued after being found in a yard with dogs. Upon admission, he underwent a thorough veterinary assessment under anaesthetic. Fortunately, there were no signs of attack or injury, and he appeared healthy and alert. Once his Chlamydia test returned negative, Juanito was safely released back to the wild – hopefully this gorgeous boy will stay out of trouble in future!

Beryl

Ten-year-old Beryl was spotted by a concerned member of the public sitting low in a tree and showing little movement over several days. Our rescue team quickly responded and brought her to our Northern Rivers Koala Hospital for assessment. Tests revealed minor kidney issues, but otherwise, she was in remarkably good health, especially for her age! After receiving supportive care and fluids to assist her recovery, Beryl was released back home, ready to enjoy her next chapter in the treetops.

Gideon

Five-year-old Gideon has been released once again! He was last in our care in April, so it was disheartening to see him return so soon, this time with another bout of Chlamydia. After completing his full course of antibiotics and returning a negative test result, Gideon was released back into his home range. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that this marks the end of his visits to us!

Dory

Four-year-old Dory was rescued with a wound to her right forelimb. Thankfully, the injury healed quickly under our care. Once her Chlamydia test came back negative, she was released back to her home in the wild and perhaps raises a joey or two in seasons to come!

Russell

Two-year-old Russell was rescued from Inverell after being found hunched over an outdoor armchair on a member of the public’s patio. He was initially assessed by a local veterinarian to ensure he was stable enough for transport to Northern Rivers Koala Hospital. Upon arrival, X-rays revealed fractured ribs and pneumonia, and he was treated with antibiotics and pain relief under close monitoring.

We are delighted to share that Russell has made a full recovery and has now been released back home to the wild. Yay, well done little Russell!!

Mr. Peanut

Mr Peanut, a seven-year-old male, was admitted with conjunctivitis and cystitis, as well as signs of compromised kidney function. He was started on a course of antibiotics and eye medications, which he has now successfully completed. We’re pleased to report that Mr Peanut has made a full recovery and has been released back home. We hope he will continue to thrive and enjoy many healthy years in the wild!

Eevee

Seven-year-old Eevee was admitted suffering from severe conjunctivitis with vision impairment and mild cystitis. She was started on a course of antibiotics and eye medications, which she successfully completed. After being re-swabbed and showing excellent improvement, we’re delighted to share that Eevee has now been released back home to the wild. May this beauty continue to thrive and enjoy many years of freedom ahead.

Tracey

Three-year-old Tracey was admitted with conjunctivitis and cystitis, and during her assessment, it was also discovered that she had a uterine infection. She completed her full course of antibiotics and eye medications and responded beautifully to treatment. We’re thrilled to share that Tracey has made a full recovery and has now been released back home to the wild, where with a bit of luck, she will help the next generation of koalas flourish.

Koalas in Home Care

Wriggles

Ten month old Wriggles was admitted after becoming entangled on a barbed wire fence. It is unknown how long she was trapped, but she sustained a significant abdominal wound as a result. Thankfully, her injury has now completely healed. Wriggles has been thriving in home care and will soon be moving on to kindy very soon! She is growing beautifully and now weighs 1.7 kg!

Koalas in our Koala Care Centre

Onyx and Selene

Trigger Warning

Six-year-old Onyx and her ten-month-old joey, Selene, were both diagnosed with Chlamydia. They completed their full course of treatment and were retested.

During her time in care, Onyx sadly developed multiple cysts, which progressed rapidly despite our best efforts. After careful consideration, we made the very difficult decision to let her go peacefully. Onyx remained with us for several extra weeks to ensure Selene could continue to grow strong and reach a safe weight for life in the wild.

Selene has continued to thrive and gain weight steadily, a testament to Onyx’s dedication as a mother. Though we are heartbroken to say goodbye to Onyx, we take comfort knowing she cared for her joey until she was ready to face the world. Rest peacefully, beautiful girl.

Sumii

Three year old Sumii was admitted with bilateral conjunctivitis. She has just completed her course of antibiotics, and her eyes have shown a marked improvement! Sumii will be retested in two weeks’ time to ensure her recovery is complete.

Rosie

Eight year old Rosie was admitted to our Northern Rivers Koala Hospital for a second time recently. She presented with a wound on her neck which was carefully cleaned and bandaged. The bandage has now been removed, and she is receiving ongoing treatment with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory cream. Her wound is healing steadily, and she continues to improve each day. Rosie’s nose is also healing from the Currawong attack.

Sunshine

Five year old Sunshine was admitted after being hit by a car. She sustained multiple injuries, including facial bone fractures, a lacerated tongue, broken upper incisors, and non-septic haemorrhagic peritonitis. Sunshine spent a week in ICU, receiving intravenous fluids, pain relief, and supplementary feeding. She has now been moved to an outdoor enclosure, where she continues to receive pain management and assisted feeding, as her mouth injuries have impacted her appetite. Sunshine is showing great resilience and making steady progress in her recovery.

As we approach the festive season, we reflect on the incredible journeys of the many, many koalas who came into care this year. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, carers, vets, partners and supporters. If you are looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season, consider supporting our work, whether through a donation, adopting a koala, adopting a tree, subscribing to Joey Buddies, vaccinating a koala against Chlamydia, becoming a Friend of the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital, leaving a bequest or partnering with us. Your support helps ensure these beautiful animals continue to receive the care and protection they need, now and into the next year. Together, we can give our koalas a brighter future.