Koalas in care after cyclone rescues

FOUR joeys were among the koalas rescued and admitted to Northern Rivers Koala Hospital at Lismore during and after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

They included Troppo, a 10-month-old joey that had become separated from his mother and was found at the base of a tree.

Troppo was assessed and treated by veterinarian Dr Jodie Wakeman at the hospital, where he was found to have sustained mild bruising, shock and concussion.

He was under the care of Friends of joey coordinator Liz McLeod at the Friends of the Koala Rehabilitation Centre this week.

Eight-month-old Milly, who also became separated from her mum, was found to be suffering from traumatic stress.

But she had not sustained life-threatening injuries and was placed into homecare.

Sadly, the other two joeys did not survive.

Two adults who were also admitted during the cyclone were already unwell and were euthanised.

Friends of the Koala is appealing for donations via GoFundMe to help provide veterinary care for injured and orphaned koalas, as well as emergency food and water to koalas struggling to survive in destroyed habitats.

The cyclone also delayed the opening of the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital at Wollongbar, which is still waiting for an occupancy certificate from Ballina Shire Council.

But many of its team were assisting the Northern Rivers Wildlife Network’s Wildlife Emergency Response Team with rescues and treatment.

Dr Megan Kearney and Dr Kim Hollis-Simpson treated a juvenile blue-faced honeyeater that was rescued by WIRES after being blown out of a tree on Sunday at Vitality Vetcare in Bangalow.

If a member of the public finds an injured or deceased koala with a joey in its pouch, it is best to leave it there and phone the Friends of the Koala hotline on 6622 1233.