Watch out for Will at Whites Hill!

A koala’s recent plight serves as a stark reminder to all road users to watch for wildlife and that we need to do more to protect our koala habitats.

Will the five-year-old koala was hit by a car at Whites Hill Reserve in Brisbane earlier this year and was transported to our Wildlife Hospital suffering a lung contusion and body lacerations.

After vet consultations and treatment, along with a couple of weeks rest and recovery at our wildlife hospital, Will was deemed well enough to be returned to his habitat.

One of our dedicated Rescue Officers, Samantha Southward said it was always a fantastic feeling to release koalas like Will.

“I love seeing them get back to the wild after they receive extensive medical care with us, the final result of them going back up the tree is a really good feeling."

Sam noticed recent wildlife fencing had been installed along the heavily commuted road.

“Driving in and seeing the new fencing up was amazing, especially as it is a common site for us to travel out to and pick up koalas that have been injured by cars. It would be good to see even more fencing around koala habitat across the state to protect them.”

Koalas are now endangered in Queensland and susceptible to road trauma, disease, and dog attacks. Read more about the impacts of deforestation on our koala population here in a joint RSPCA Queensland and Greenpeace Australia Pacific report.

It is our responsibility to ensure we are not only driving to road conditions but being mindful of the wildlife in the area around us. Read how you can avoid wildlife on our roads.

Join us and be a voice for wildlife by signing our petition calling for stronger laws for wildlife.

The important work undertaken by our wildlife and rescue officers, like Samantha, is only possible thanks to community support and kind donations. While our facilities are functioning well above their capacity and our staff and volunteer resources are stretched, we persevere to deliver professional care for every animal admitted to us.

We must come Together for Wildlife to safeguard the future welfare of wildlife across Queensland. You can make a difference to all creatures by donating to a new, state-of-the-art Wildlife Hospital and Centre of Excellence. Donations bring us closer to our goal of being able to expand our capacity to care.

Please contact RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) if you find a sick or injured animal. Our RSPCA Animal Emergency Hotline can offer advice over the phone. Our Rescue Officers may be able to attend via an RSPCA Rescue Unit to rescue the animal, if equipped and in the area.