Spring has sprung here in Australia and we have some awesome updates from our Koala Care Centre with the release of Hellen, Momo, Athena and Thor, Seeana and Winmar and Pepper! We will also introduce you to some new (hopefully temporary) residents, a couple of returning patients and of course our three gorgeous permanent residents. Let’s start with the releases – because that’s what we at Friends of the Koala live for!!

Athena and Thor

This absolutely stunning mum and joey duet has been released home! Athena and Thor were rescued and admitted to our Northern Rivers Koala Hospital when they were found stuck in a wire fence. Athena sustained minor injuries to her legs which needed time to heal but both mum and bub also tested positive for Chlamydia. Little Thor’s eyes became very crusty but improved with treatment. They have both finished treatment, returned negative tests for Chlamydia and were released! This is just amazing news! What a great video too – well done everyone!!

Hellen

Hellen has also been released and is no doubt very happy to be back home in Tenterfield. Hellen was admitted to our Koala Hospital back in July, with chlamydial cystitis and she also had some wounds to her arms and neck. Following treatment and rehabilitation, she returned negative tests for Chlamydia and was ready to be released!

Momo

The gorgeous Momo has been released to a soft enclosure where she can practice climbing and our volunteers can observe her progress in some bigger trees. She couldn’t wait to climb that tallow! Momo was admitted to Friends of the Koala following a car hit, her right hip was dislocated from the impact and whilst it has healed we need to make sure that she can climb and jump without any issues. This clever girl recovered really well from her injury – go Momo you can do it!!

Seeana (mum) & Winmar (joey)

Who remembers Seeana who came into care as a joey in November 2022 at about eleven months old? Her buddies were Temika, Rafa, Racquet, Kookie and Waratah? She came back to Friends of the Koala with her own little joey – Winmar – awe we are always delighted to hear that our joeys are thriving and have had joeys of their own. Mum and bub were admitted to our Koala Hospital in late August when Winmar was sighted with an injured eye by our highly vigilant Friends of the Koala volunteers Michael and Kim. Winmar received eye medications and they wasted no time in getting back out to the wild again once he was fully recovered – best of luck you two – it was so nice to see you again Seeana with your little bub!

Pepper

Pepper was admitted to our Koala Hospital when she was found stuck on a wire fence. She sustained injuries to both hind legs and has difficulty walking normally. Pepper received treatment including pain relief and has since been released! Stay safe Pepper!!

Hobi

Our little fighter Hobi is doing well in Koala Kindy, he is still king and loving life on his own, doing well and gaining weight – exactly what we want to see! He is one of the most handsome boys we have ever seen and is just getting better and better.

Brown Sugar

This little girl is tracking along, she looks well but her weight continues to fluctuate so we continue to keep an eye on her.

Gasket

Gasket has progressed well from the ICU to the outside wards and his neurological issues have improved significantly. You might remember that Gasket was admitted to our Koala Hospital following a car hit where he sustained injuries to his head. Fingers crossed that he keeps moving in the right direction and can go home soon.

Billy Buttons

Billy is still undergoing treatment for a severe infection in his mouth – hopefully the antibiotics work soon with no negative side effects! He appears well and in good spirits.

Blossom

Blossom is back at Friends of the Koala following specialist surgery at RSPCA QLD. Blossom was found on the ground in mid July and following examination it was found that she had a fractured femur. Blossom needed major surgery where a plate and screws were inserted in her leg. She has since returned to Friends of the Koala for her rehabilitation. Thank you so much to all involved for looking after this little one. How goes the saying: it takes a village to raise a child? Well, it certainly takes a village to treat and rehabilitate a koala.

Valery (mum) & Baby Cakes (joey)

We have another mum and bub due, admitted in late August and have fallen deeply in love with them. Mum Valery has conjunctivitis and has begun treatment. They are adjusting well to our Koala Care Centre and hopefully won’t have to spend much time here at all!

Peasley

Peasley continues with his treatment for chlamydial conjunctivitis and is very sleepy here… look at those fingers and nails, amazing.

Lamington

Lamington has just completed his treatment for chlamydial conjunctivitis and is awaiting his final negative tests before release – you can do it Lamington – the wild awaits!

Charlotte, Ivy and Polar Star

It’s yoga time for the girls who are enjoying the spring sunshine – Ivy of course can’t do anything without food! The girls are all doing well.

If you enjoyed reading this update from our Koala Kindy and Care Centre, you might enjoy learning more about our Northern Rivers Koala Hospital and the essential treatments koalas receive here.

Our services are free to the community, but it costs an average of $5,000 to rehabilitate and release a koala. The onsite hospital is adjacent to the Koala Care Centre and has increased koala survival rates by 40%.

Our hospital needs all the support it can get and our Friends of the Northern Rivers initiative aims to raise $500,000 required annually to keep the doors of the hospital open. Please consider becoming a Northern Rivers Koala Hospital Friend and VIP.