Cornubia rescue in time for Wild Koala Day

As Sparrow the koala climbed towards the tree canopy of Cornubia Forest Park last month with her joey safely in her pouch, her rescue story is a timely reminder about the message sent around the world on Wild Koala Day.

Sparrow’s story speaks volumes about what Wild Koala Day stood for on Sunday 3 May — the protection of wild koalas and the habitats they depend on, supported by strong rescue and rehabilitation networks.

Sparrow was then transported to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital on the Gold Coast for specialist assessment and care.

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Veterinary Supervisor Dr Tina Tugwell says Sparrow was suffering from conjunctivitis, a common symptom of chlamydia and one of the most serious biological threats facing koalas today.

At the time of admission, vets also discovered Sparrow had a very young joey in her pouch, which has since been named Hawk.

ABOVE: Sparrow the koala is healthy and now back in the forest. Photo: Courtesy RSPCA Queensland.

Dr Tugwell says because chlamydia can be passed from mother to joey, early intervention was critical to give both the best possible chance of survival.

‘In many parts of South East Queensland, infection rates have been recorded as high as 70 per cent of wild koalas,’ Dr Tugwell says. ‘Around 60 per cent of koalas admitted to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital require treatment for chlamydial disease.

‘Treating a single koala is no small undertaking. On average, it costs $7,000 to treat, rehabilitate and release one koala, including a 4 to 6 week course of antibiotics.

‘While Currumbin Wildlife Hospital has already vaccinated more than 540 koalas against chlamydia, there is still a long way to go.’

She says thanks to the specialist care provided by Vet Nurse Jasmine and the hospital’s dedicated veterinary and wildlife care teams, Sparrow responded well to treatment.

‘Both she and Hawk were given the all clear and Sparrow and Hawk were safely released back into Cornubia Forest Park by Wildcare – back into the wild where they belong.’

Visitors to Cornubia Forest Park can now keep an eye out for Sparrow in the trees – she’s the koala with a yellow ear tag in her right ear and, towards the end of the year, she might be spotted with her joey.

Logan City Council has the following advice for Logan residents:

If you spot a koala, check if they are sick or injured. Here is what to look out for:

• Red, inflamed or crusty eyes
• Very dirty, wet or brown bottom
• Signs of injury such as cuts, blood or fur loss
• Very skinny
• Not using all 4 limbs when climbing or walking
• Sitting at the base of a tree or in the same tree for several days.

If you have spotted a sick or injured koala, call for help immediately.
RSPCA: 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) – 7 am to 7 pm
Wildcare: 07 5527 2444 – 24/7

Koala Rescue Redlands and Surrounds: 0435 504 222 – 24/7

For more information on helping koalas visit Koalas | Logan City Council, visit Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, and Koala Rescue Redlands & Surrounds.

For information about Wild Koala Day visit Wild Koala Day | Saving Koalas.

IMAGE AT TOP: Rescue workers release Sparrow and her joey into Cornubia Forest Park.