At the Brisbane RSPCA Wildlife Hospital alone there are currently five koalas receiving treatment, which is very unusual for this time of year.
RSPCA Queensland Senior Wildlife Nurse Breanna Pitt said the team was regularly taking in underconditioned joeys and adults suffering from single or multiple organ failure, due to chronic dehydration and other diseases.
Bluebell (pictured) is one of the many koalas expected to make a full recovery after being found on a roadside.
"She's had a long road to where she is at the moment... she is looking really good, and we are on track for release in the next few weeks."
Animal Rescue Manager Josephine Joordan said our rescue unit volunteers are on the frontline supporting our team by responding to calls for assistance with sick and injured anials.
"Our volunteers get up and personal with a wide range of animals from domestic animals to our native wildlife."
"All volunteers receive animal capture and handling training, wildlife identification training and WH&S training. Volunteering is a great way to get your foot in the door if you would like to pursue a career with animals. Many of our Animal Rescue Officers started their careers with us as volunteers."
"It's an amazing feeling seeing an animal you have rescued being released to the wild, or if it is a domestic animal being adopted by a loving family."
Volunteer Rescue Drivers travel around Brisbane ans surrounding areas in an RSPCA vehicle. Duties include collecting, transporting, reuniting and releasing wildlife.
Skills required? A willingness to learn, knowledge about wildlife or training is also an advantage. A clean, open manual driver's licence is required.
Skills gained? Wildlife rehabilitation experience, increased awareness of our native wildlife and the problems they face and animal handling identification skills.
Benefits? Learn a new skill; enjoy the knowledge that you are making a difference in your local community.
Volunteering might just change your life, we know it's changed ours, and certainly changes the lives of animals in our care.
So, what are you waiting for? Find out more about volunteering.
*Please note that volunteers must be 16 years of age or over due to PLI requirements.
For further information, please contact us on 07 3426 9915 or [email protected].
