Volunteers at Port Stephens Koalas remain dedicated to protecting local wildlife months after deadly bushfires tore through the area.
There were concerns surrounding the native animal’s extinction when the summer fires ravaged about 30% of their habitat.
The fires killed an estimated 800 million animals in NSW alone and burned more than five million hectares, which equated to 6.82% of the state – the worst on record.
Port Stephens Koalas Senior Carer, Julie Jennings, said that, despite the local koala population being relatively safe from the fires, some outside towns were not so fortunate.
“Port Stephens Koalas were very lucky to not be affected, but there were groups that were overrun with injured animals and we volunteered to take in any animals that we could,” she said.
“Even though we can heal the outside, we can’t fix what is on the inside.”
Seven injured koalas were treated by volunteers, with the lone survivor, an adult male called Smoulder, recently being released back into the wild.
The marsupial suffered burns to his feet and, after enduring months of intensive care to toughen his paws, he returned to his natural habitat.
Sadly, others were not so lucky and had to be euthanised due to the severity of their injuries and illnesses.
Despite ongoing fears for the dwindling koala population, the team at Port Stephens Koalas is focused on working towards their rehabilitation.
The not-for-profit organisation aims to provide the world’s best practice standards of care to sick, injured and orphaned koalas to give them the best opportunity to be returned to the wild.
It also supports research and collaboration to preserve their habitat to ensure that future generations may continue to enjoy seeing wildlife in their natural setting.
Local community members can show their support through donations, which will provide medication and care for injured animals.
Visit Port Stephens Koalas website for more information or to donate.
– Tia Thomas
