11/02/2022
Today, koalas have been downgraded in status from vulnerable to endangered in QLD, NSW and the ACT.
This has left me with mixed emotions as on one hand, it is heartbreaking that their presence in the wild has dwindled so much to this point just within my life time. On the other, this will hopefully lead to many more protections for them and their habitat, and more funding for research to help combat disease, the biggest reason for their continued demise in SE QLD.
I grew up and now still live within the Redlands in SE QLD and remember as a child being kept up at night by grunting koalas, being urinated on just walking down the street and having them wander into classrooms occasionally at school. Just within the last 20 years, there has been a significant drop in this area due to rapid overdevelopment and lack of protections. This is the result.
The other big threats to this iconic species are vehicle hits and dog attacks. Some we can get through their injuries, others we can’t. Pictured is Clarence, a young mum who was attacked by two dogs and sustained a fractured leg. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, she sudden passed as a result of this injury. She is one of the ones I will never forget as she seemed to be going so well for weeks prior to her passing.
Koalas have so far been one of the most heartbreaking species to treat, but one of the most rewarding when you can get them out the other side.
We have to do more; do better.
