Tree to Me
Did you know it takes 1,000 gum trees to feed just one Koala for a year?
That's A LOT of gum trees to keep up with all the Koalas at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to over 50 Koalas, and in 2022 so far, more than 308 Koalas have been admitted to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. Currumbin Wildlife Hospital opened in 1989 on the grounds of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and is now one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world.
When Koalas are recovering at the Hospital, they must have access to the highest quality, freshest gum leaves. Koalas are very fussy eaters, especially when they are sick or injured; therefore, it is crucial that there is a wide variety of gum types available every day.
The Koalas' gut microbiome is extremely delicate and closely linked to their overall health. Each Koala will eat a range of eucalyptus types, which can be very specific to the region the Koala comes from.
We have a team of gum cutters that go out every day to cut fresh gum leaf to ensure the recovering Koalas in the Hospital have their dietary needs met.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Hospital have four Koala fodder plantations nearby that contain around 38,000 gum trees. However, due to constant harvesting, these trees have a limited lifespan.
It is important that we continue to plant enough trees to sustain this food source for our Koalas.
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital's Tree to Me program ensures the ongoing supply of fresh, high-quality leaf for our recovering Koalas.
From as little as $10, you can help Koalas by planting a eucalyptus tree that will feed a Koala for an entire year! If you're scratching your head for present ideas, give your friends and family the priceless gift of helping Koalas by purchasing a tree, from the Tree to Me program!
To buy a tree:
To donate to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital: