How to Protect our Koalas Future

RSPCA Queensland regularly treats new koala patients every week at the Brisbane Wildlife Hospital and Eumundi Rehabilitation Centre, with 53 koalas admitted for care this year alone.

One of our adorable patients in care is Chase. Hit by a car in January, this nine-year-old koala was brought into the Wildlife Hospital for veterinary treatment. Sustaining a pelvic fracture and chest injuries, Chase is now undergoing rehabilitation at our Eumundi Centre with the hopes of making a full recovery.

Watch our Eumundi Team and Cosmo the koala in our care right now

Last year we treated 601 koalas with 900 admitted for care in 2020. The main cause for koala injuries includes road trauma, habitat loss, disease, and dog attacks. The slight decline of patients admitted to the RSPCA over the past year could be due to multiple factors such as better climatic conditions due to higher rainfall and moderate temperatures, koalas being admitted to other wildlife hospitals and potentially declining numbers of urban koalas.

Big old Sweetheart the koala was found in a tree with severe conjunctivitis and swelling around his eyes. At eight-years-old, Sweetheart was examined and put on a treatment plan at our Brisbane Wildlife Hospital. After receiving treatment and regular veterinary checks, Sweetheart started gaining more weight and was eating well. He was then able to complete his treatment at Moggill Koala Hospital and was successfully released back into the wild.

While our koala friends appear cuddly and adorable, they are still vulnerable and it is important that they are protected now to secure their future in the wild.

Donate to our Koala Appeal and help cover the cost of one of our koalas receiving care and treatment at the RSPCA today.

• When driving, scan the road for koalas crossing. By being aware of your surroundings you can really help keep all kinds of wildlife safe. Learn more here!
• If you find an injured or sick animal, learn what to do here.
• For 24/7 assistance contact our Animal Emergency Hotline 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).­­