More than 200 koalas were admitted to Friends of the Koala in East Lismore which is one of Australia’s busiest koala hospitals during breeding season – known as trauma season. 

Chlamydia, vehicle strikes and dog attacks were the most common reasons for koalas being admitted to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)-sponsored vet team.

Between the months of July and December, koalas are on the move finding new mates or dispersing to new territories leaving them vulnerable in particular to car strikes or domestic animal attacks. During the last trauma season, Friends of the Koala tended to 218 koalas which is more than half the hospital’s yearly koala admissions. 

“We predict these numbers are only set to rise during subsequent seasons as remnant habitat continues to become smaller and more fragmented, forcing koalas to travel long distances on foot through urbanised areas,” said vet Dr Jodie Wakeman. 

Sadly, 129 koalas had to be euthanased but 70 were able to be released back into the wild — where they belong — and to hopefully contribute to the future of the species. 

“While many of the cases we admitted this trauma season ended in euthanasia, as a community we do have the ability to turn this around by ensuring injured or sick koalas are seen by our IFAW-sponsored vet team as quickly as possible,” said Dr Wakeman. 

IFAW Animal Rescue Program Officer Nicole Rojas-Marin said early intervention and treatment was vital to give sick or injured koalas a second chance at life. 

“Every individual koala we can rescue, rehabilitate and release back into the wild is critical for the future of the species,” Ms Rojas-Marin said. 

“This is more important now than ever given koalas in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory are classified as Endangered and face more threats to their survival than ever before.” 

People in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales can help by contacting the Friends of the Koala 24hr Rescue Hotline on 6622 1233 when they see sick or injured koalas or need advice. 

The IFAW Wildlife Rescue App can also be used for people who come across injured or sick koalas across New South Wales. The app puts people in direct contact with the nearest wildlife group.