Increase in Koala Trauma Cases at Currumbin Wildlife HospitaL
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital has seen an increase in admissions for injured Koalas and with breeding season underway, it prompted an urgent warning for members of the Gold Coast community to be alert for an increase in Koala activity.
The hospital, which is one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world, has seen 197 animals admitted due to vehicle strikes over the past four months.
July to December is Koala breeding season, also known as ‘trauma season’ due to an increase in Koala activity which sadly results in more injured koalas.
“Koalas are on the move looking for a partner or a new home and that makes them vulnerable to dog attacks or car strikes as they move through backyards or busy roads,” says Dr Michael Pyne, OAM, senior veterinarian at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
“In just the last four months we’ve seen an increase in Koalas coming through our doors, before we even reach peak breeding season. When compared with the April to July period last year we’ve had a 166 percent increase in the number of Koalas admitted due to vehicle strikes,” says Dr Pyne.
“During the 2023 breeding season from July to December we had 274 Koalas admitted into our care. All too often we see animals arrive at the hospital which have been hit by a car, left on the side of the road and then found later by another passing motorist. We’re asking people to take extra care and if you do find injured wildlife, please reach out for help straight away,” he says.
The appeal extends to other wildlife too with the hospital also seeing echidnas, wallabies and turtles which have been struck by vehicles.
The most common rescue sites on the Gold Coast for animals hit by cars are:
- Simpsons Road, Elanora
- Tallebudgera Connection Road
- Tallebudgera Olsen Avenue, Southport
- Foxwell Road, Coomera
“If you find a sick or injured koala or another animal, please call Wildcare on (07) 5527 2444. Their team of volunteers can advise you on what to do so we can get the best possible care for that animal,” says Dr Pyne.
Other actions Gold Coast residents can take to help wildlife
- Drive carefully especially between dusk and dawn
- Keep dogs inside or contained at night
- Create koala-friendly fencing and swimming pools in backyards to give koalas an escape route