It has been an incredibly difficult time for koala conservation at Friends of the Koala. Our heartbreak continues this month, as we witness the tragic consequences of peak breeding season, which, sadly, is also trauma season for our volunteers and staff at the front line.

Since June, at least twenty-seven koalas have been hit by vehicles on roads across our region.

• Fourteen died on impact or before help could arrive.
• Five sustained injuries so severe that euthanasia was the only humane option.
• Five joeys were involved – tragically, most did not survive.

Every one of these incidents occurred on local roads – from the Bruxner Highway to the Pacific Motorway, from Lindendale to Billinudgel. These aren’t remote places. These are the roads we drive every day.

Vehicle strikes remain one of the leading causes of koala deaths in New South Wales. And the difficult truth? These are preventable tragedies.

Here’s how you can help:

• Slow down in koala habitat areas – especially at dawn and dusk, when koalas are most active.
• Stay alert for koalas crossing roads, even in areas you might not expect.
• If you hit – or see someone hit – a koala, call our 24/7 Rescue Hotline immediately on 02 6622 1233.

Our team continues to work tirelessly, often under emotional strain, carrying the weight of every loss. If appropriate, please share this message. Help us reach more people. Help us prevent more deaths.

And still, we hold onto hope and, of course, do what we can to help. This month, we celebrate the release of: Marshall, GT Clooney, Robbie, Kitty, Azaliah & Zali, Gideon, Wilder and Splinter – all rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to the wild where they belong. Keep them in your hearts and minds and wish them well.

Please read on for more details about their journeys and thank you, from all of us, for caring.

Marshall

Marshall, a five-year-old koala, was rescued after being spotted with the telltale wet rump of Chlamydial cystitis. He spent three months in care with us, receiving two rounds of antibiotic treatment an endless supply of fresh leaf and TLC. Recently, Marshall was returned home to the wild, and we wish him every success on his journey back where he belongs.

GT Clooney

GT Clooney (Male, 7 years) is a familiar face at the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital – some of you may remember this handsome boy!

He was rescued after being sighted with a dirty rump, initially raising concerns about Chlamydia-related cystitis. Thankfully, a full veterinary assessment confirmed it was just dirt and no cystitis was present. However, he was diagnosed with a painful ear infection that required treatment.

After receiving the care he needed and making a full recovery, GT Clooney was released back to the wild. We are grateful to have supported his healing once again and we wish him good health and trouble-free years ahead.

Robbie

Robbie (Male, 6 years) had a successful and relatively swift stay with us following his admission for Chlamydia treatment. Thanks to early intervention and effective care, he made a full recovery and was recently released back to his home range. Well done, Robbie!

Kitty

Two year old Kitty was admitted after being found covered in mud in an area with no suitable food trees.

A full veterinary assessment revealed an old, healed clavicle fracture, with no current impact on her mobility or health. After completing her course of medication and receiving a clean bill of health, Kitty was successfully released back home to the wild! Way to go Kitty!

Wilder

Two-year-old Wilder has made a full recovery from multiple injuries sustained in a dog attack, including a serious wound to his left hind thigh. We are thrilled to share that he has now been successfully released back to the wild.

During his time in care, Wilder received intensive veterinary treatment, including thorough wound cleaning, bandaging, and a course of antibiotics and pain relief to support his recovery.

We wish this brave boy all the best as he returns to life in his natural habitat.

Azaliah and Zali

Azaliah (Female, 3 years) and her joey Zali (Male, 5 months) were admitted following a car hit.

Azaliah sustained significant head trauma, including a fracture to the bone near her left nostril. She was stabilised in ICU with IV fluids, pain relief, and anti-inflammatories. Her joey, Zali, suffered lung trauma, which was treated with antibiotic nebulisation.

Thanks to the dedicated care of our veterinary and volunteer team, both Azaliah and Zali made a full recovery and were successfully released together.

We are so proud to have helped this mum and joey return to the wild.

Splinter

Six year old Splinter was rescued by WIRES Clarence Valley following an interaction with dogs. He was transferred to the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital for a full veterinary assessment.

Ultrasound imaging revealed mild kidney abnormalities, and he was also diagnosed with an oral yeast infection, which was treated with antifungal medication.

After a successful recovery, Splinter was released back home!

Gideon

Five year old Gideon was admitted for his second visit to care, having previously been treated only in April 2025. It is disheartening to see him return so soon, but unfortunately, Gideon was diagnosed with Chlamydia once again.

After completing a full course of antibiotic treatment, Gideon has since tested negative for the infection. He has now been successfully released back to his home range, where we hope he will remain healthy and free.

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Our koalas in Home Care *** Trigger warning

Quatro

We try to spare our readers of much of the heartache and challenges of this job – we want the story of koalas to be an uplifting, hopeful one but sometimes the right thing to do is let our followers know because like us they too have invested time, energy and often funds into supporting these beautiful creatures.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of little Quatro, who lost his long and difficult battle with gastrointestinal bloat and dysbiosis, complications likely stemming from being in care from such a young age.

Quatro came into care as a very young and tiny orphan – he was just 250g and grew to an incredible 1.3kg. For five months, he received around-the-clock care, love, and expert support from our dedicated vet team and his devoted Joey Rehabilitator, Liz. Despite their tireless efforts, Quatro passed away in Home Care.

Quatro’s journey was followed by many, and we know how deeply his story resonated. To those who supported him – thank you. And to Liz, who gave him every chance and so much love: we are endlessly grateful.

Though his time was far too short, Quatro knew safety, comfort, and love and that matters. Quatro’s story is a testament to the care and devotion our team gives to every joey, no matter how tiny.

Wriggles

Ten month old female Wriggles, was admitted to our koala hospital when she was found caught on a barbed wire fence. It’s unknown how long she was trapped, but she received a significant wound to her abdomen.

Thanks to prompt rescue and dedicated care, Wriggles’ wound has nearly completely healed. She has been thriving in Home Care, where Liz has been closely monitoring her recovery. Wriggles has remained active, alert, and eating well, and now weighs a healthy 1.5 kg.

We are delighted with her progress and so grateful to Liz for her expert care and commitment once again.

Koala Care Centre

Onyx and Selene

Six year old Onyx and her 10 month old joey Selene were both admitted and tested positive for Chlamydia. They have now completed their full course of treatment, and follow-up swabs have been taken. We are currently awaiting test results and remain hopeful for a clear outcome.

Our team continues to monitor them closely, and we look forward to the day we can return this mother and joey to the wild, healthy and together. They’re so cuute!

Mr Peanut

Seven year old Mr. Peanut was admitted for conjunctivitis and cystitis, he also has compromised kidneys and whilst he has begun antibiotic treatment and eye medications we can only offer a guarded prognosis due to his compromised condition. He is a big boy though so perhaps that will work in his favour!

Eevee

Seven year old Eevee has severe conjunctivitis with vision impairment as well as mild cystitis. We have started her on antibiotic treatment and eye medications. Fingers crossed for her.

Mr Stainfield

Mr Stainfield (Male, 5 years) was brought in from Inverell following an interaction with a dog.

He has passed his initial health assessment and is currently under observation. Our team will continue to closely monitor his appetite and scat output to ensure he remains on track for recovery.

Sumii

Another girl with conjunctivitis – three year old Sumii has bilateral conjunctivitis and has been started on antibiotic treatment and eye medications. Fingers crossed for all three.

As we reflect on the past month, we are reminded of the fragility of the lives we work so hard to protect and the incredible strength and resilience of every koala that comes through our doors. From heartbreaking losses to joyful moments of release, each story fuels our commitment to this vital work.

The challenges are many – road strikes, dog attacks, disease, but so too are the moments of hope. Every rescue, every recovery, and every release is made possible because of the dedication of our team, our volunteers, and the support of people like you.

Thank you for standing with us – for reading, sharing, donating, and caring. Together, we are giving koalas a fighting chance.