The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is bracing for a critical Trauma Season, with wildlife admissions already on the rise as the peak period begins. Koala admissions, in particular, are reaching unprecedented levels, with the Wildlife Hospital recording its highest number of koala admissions in a single day not once, but twice in recent weeks.
The previous record for koala admissions to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital in a single 24-hour period was eight. Since then, there has been a day with nine koala admissions, followed less than a week later by a new record of 10. So far this year, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital has treated 200 more patients than last year, with 110 of those being koalas.
Among the recent patients are mother and joey Toffee and Twix, who arrived at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital after Toffee was attacked by two dogs. During the attack, Toffee bravely protected her joey, leaving Twix unharmed. Sadly, Toffee sustained severe soft tissue injuries to her legs, face and chest and is now receiving specialised care from our expert veterinary team.
Dr. Ludo Valenza, Hospital Manager and Wildlife Veterinarian at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, said koalas are especially vulnerable, with many arriving in critical condition each year.
“Toffee suffered a wound to her hind leg that required extensive surgery and time in the Koala ICU. She is receiving surgical check-ups and antibiotics to minimise the risk of infection,” said Dr Ludo.
Lucy is another koala who has captured the hearts of our team, after being found walking across burning cane fields. Suffering extensive burns to her face and all four legs, Lucy was transported for more than ten hours to reach the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital from Central Queensland, for lifesaving treatment.
Dr Ludo said, “From August onwards, koalas are on the move searching for mates, new habitat and are crossing busy roads to do so. This also results in contact with domestic pets, which we are seeing all too often as habitat fragmentation increases.”
The Wildlife Hospital team is working around the clock to treat Lucy, Toffee and Twix, alongside the many other patients arriving each day. As Trauma Season continues to build, the team remains prepared to provide life-saving treatment to wildlife in need.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital continues to be one of the leading trauma centres in Queensland, having treated more than 165,000 native animals including over 12,970 koalas. Wildlife conservationist Terri Irwin said every patient that we treat is a reminder of the incredible wildlife we share our world with.
“Through the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and Wildlife Warriors, we’re committed to protecting wildlife and wild places and giving injured animals a second chance. We hope these patients remind our community just how important it is that we all do our part to protect the wildlife around us,” said Terri.
The Wildlife Hospital is funded by Wildlife Warriors, helping provide critical care to wildlife when they need it most. From emergency treatment and rehabilitation at the Wildlife Hospital, to a rescue unit on the road seven days a week and conservation initiatives around the world, Wildlife Warriors proudly carries forward Steve Irwin’s vision of a world where humans and wildlife can coexist in peace.
