January 2014: koalas and dogs don't mix

Tim, a young male koala was attacked by a tourist's dog. He suffered two very serious puncture wounds. One penetrated through his skull and into his sinus cavity. The other puncture wound penetrated just above his eye. He also suffered lacerations around the eye area. He was treated by Main Street Veterinary Practice, receiving IV fluids and the wound to his skull requiring stitches. He then was treated with injectable antibiotics for 12 days and eye ointment. He is still receiving daily treatment for his eye and will remain in care until his eye is clear. The wound to his skull has now healed over but he will have a permanent hole in his skull that cannot heal.

Jack, an older male koala was attacked by a resident's dog. He sustained deep puncture wounds to his leg and soft tissue damage to his neck and head area. Jack requires ongoing daily treatment to the wounds. He has been with us now for 6 weeks and is responding well to injectable antibiotics and topical antibiotics.

Four koalas were euthanised under veterinary advice. A female joey failed to respond to care after being found on the ground with ulcerated eyes and paralysis of her hands. A male was rescued presenting with nasal discharge, cough and stiffness. After only 2 days in care he deteriorated rapidly. Two females were rescued after being found sitting on the ground dehydrated and in poor condition. They too unfortunately they passed away in care.

Three other koalas - a young male, an older female and an older joey - were also found dead although in excellent body condition. Extreme heat was most likely a factor in their cause of death.

Sadly, a female echidna was rescued after being run over by a car in Fourth Ave. She spent 10 days in care but unfortunately passed away.

December 2013: the past 2 and half months have flown by with the Shelter very busy over the warmer months.

Morgan was successfully released after spending 6 weeks in care due to serious eye & ear infections. He made a full recover and is now back home. Lulu, an older female koala was rescued from Currawong Close after she was found on the ground dehydrated. After spending 12 days in care she was successfully released. We also had the successful release of Mickey and Minnie our young koalas who were in care for a month prior to their release.

Three koalas were found dead in the township area - an older male with a large wound to his rib area (cause unknown) and two males with evidence of dog attacks. An older, extremely thin, female was also found dead and showing evidence of starvation.

Two injured cockatoos were rescued and taken into care but unfortunately passed away.

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November 2013: An extremely busy month for the Shelter with 5 Koalas in care and baby kangaroo Ali.

Barney, our resident male koala for the past 4 months, was successfully released. Another male who had sheltered with an injured arm was also successfully released. Four koalas are currently in care. Mickey is a young male, approx. 16 months old. Suffering from malnourishment, he is with us until he gains enough weight to be successfully released. Minnie is a young female, approx. 17 months, is with us until a wound she has heals. She will be released soon. A young male, Morgan, is approx. 2 years. He sustained a serious eye and ear infection after fighting with another koala. Morgan is on the road to recovery and will be released soon. Rocky, our orphaned male joey, is now 14 months and is with us until suitable for release.

Four koalas suffering injury or illness unfortunately had to be euthanized: 1 male severely attacked by a dog sustained major broken arm and puncture wounds; 2 females due to Chlamydia-related illness; and 1 female unable to walk (x-rays showed very arthritic knees). Three male koalas and 1 female drowned, all found around near the ferry area and along boardwalk. One male koala presenting in a lifeless state died while in care post mortem inconclusive.

Little Nell, our orphaned female joey is now 10 1/2 months and is growing nicely. She will be soft released when old enough. Our orphaned baby joey, Ali, is now 9 months - he is growing well and will also be soft released after 18 months old.

Screech, a mature galah, was injured after being pecked by other galahs, sustaining a wing injury. After trying to rehabilitate for a month, we sadly had to have him euthanised under veterinary advice.

September 2013: Busy month for sick and injured koalas and 3 babies in the nursery

Baby Ali - kangaroo joey

A male koala was taken into care after sustaining a hand injury and he was treated and released. However after sustaining another injury to his claw he was taken into care again. He was treated and successfully released after a month in care. We have a young male koala in care due to severe malnourishment he will be in care long term and released once well again.

A female koala unfortunately had to be euthanaised after falling from a tree when the branch she was sitting on, broke in strong winds. She sustained a broken pelvis and torn popliteal ligament. Two koalas were found dead on the side of the road, unknown cause of death, however body condition was very poor.