William the Koala returns home

William the koala returned to his home in the wild this week - bordering Woogaroo Forest.

His home forest in Springfield has been marked for development.

Beautiful William the koala was rescued by our Animal Rescue team in November 2024 after Maria, a caring local, called RSPCA for assistance. William was spotted in poor condition with conjunctivitis in Bellbird Park.

William was one of three koalas brought into RSPCA care from the same area at the end of 2024. Maximus the koala arrived at our RSPCA Wildlife Hospital a week before, and Morgan Treeman arrived in October.

William the 7-year-old koala received extensive veterinary care for chlamydial conjunctivitis, haemoabdomen, and cystitis at the RSPCA and further rehabilitation at Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre. Thanks to tireless efforts from all involved, William is now strong and healthy once again.

Maria says, “Without the RSPCA and other organisations, we could never have done this."

William’s release back into the wild this week is bittersweet. His forest home may not be there for much longer.

“I live in Bellbird Park. I have seen how they take the trees to subdivide, and the wildlife has no spot here anymore. I don't know what's going to happen to him, but it's going to be very hard for him to survive,” says Maria.

“When you get to see them on release again, it's just, it's the first positive news around here for a long time when it comes to wildlife.”

Woogaroo Forest in Ipswich, a part of Southeast Queensland, is an irreplaceable remnant of native bushland, home to koalas, echidnas, gliders, platypus, and numerous bird species. Yet this vital wildlife habitat is currently at risk from four urban development proposals that threaten over 150 hectares of forest, much of it, core koala habitat.

This development would require the destruction of habitat in an area the Queensland Government itself identifies as core koala bushland and part of a critical wildlife corridor. Once it's gone, it's gone forever.

William’s story is just one among millions. Every year, deforestation in Queensland and New South Wales results in the injury, displacement, or death of up to 100 million native animals, including approximately 1,200 koalas. Despite legal protections, southeast Queensland continues to experience intense habitat fragmentation, pushing species closer to extinction.

Many koalas like William don’t survive the ordeal. Those who do are often left to navigate dangerous urban environments - fighting disease, dodging cars, and avoiding dog attacks - all because their natural habitat has been cleared away.

In February 2022, koalas were uplisted from vulnerable to endangered in Queensland, NSW and ACT. We all need to do more now to protect them before they disappear.

Woogaroo Forest is a living example of the kind of green space we cannot afford to lose. Once fragmented or bulldozed, the remaining patches are too small and disconnected to support viable wildlife populations. Animals struggle to find food, shelter, and safe passage, and the result is ongoing suffering, injury, and death - long after the bulldozers leave.

As our recent report with Greenpeace has shown, the legacy of deforestation includes not only the immediate destruction of habitat but also the long-term animal welfare crisis that follows. Stress-related illness, starvation, and increased vehicle strikes are just a few of the ongoing impacts facing wildlife in urbanised and fragmented landscapes.

William is lucky - but how many more koalas and other precious wild animals will lose their homes, or their lives, if this destruction continues?

RSPCA Queensland stands behind the local community who are doing everything they can to shine a light on the true value of Woogaroo Forest, not just for koalas, but for all wildlife and future generations. Their passion and determination have been inspiring, and we encourage everyone to stand with them.

• Visit Save Woogaroo Forest to learn more about the proposed development and the environmental risks.
• Follow and support the Save Woogaroo Forest for updates, petitions, and events.
• Write to your local councillors, state MPs and the federal Minister for the Environment and Water of Australia, urging them to oppose the clearing and preserve Woogaroo Forest.
• Share William’s story to raise awareness of what’s at stake. One story can spark a movement.
• Learn more about the impact deforestation is having on wildlife in Queensland.

Today we celebrate William’s second chance. Let’s honour his journey by fighting to protect his forest - and the thousands of animals just like him who are counting on us.