Home > In the Media 2008
Steve's wildlife wish
News source: Sunday Herald Sun
29 June 2008
By Jane E. Fraser
THERE is a well-rehearsed dance going on in the Australian Wildlife Hospital
on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
Khaki-clad vets, nurses and volunteers two-step and tango around one another, treating sick and injured wildlife in a space no bigger than the average lounge room.
Every now and then someone calls "X-ray" and the khaki crew makes last checks of patients before quick-stepping outside to avoid the radiation.
In the former avocado packing shed, next to Australia Zoo at Beerwah, there is no such luxury as an X-ray room, or even an operating theatre.
A red line on the floor marks the sterile zone around the operating table and the intensive care unit doubles as a staff tea room, not that anyone ever seems to sit down.
Yet, the tango will soon be over, with builders putting the finishing touches on a spectacular new $5 million wildlife hospital next door to the old shed.
In a few weeks, the hospital staff will be gliding across 1300 sqm of purpose-built operating rooms, X-ray and CAT-scan rooms, ambulance bays, quarantine areas, general treatment areas and other facilities that will raise the level of care to a new level.
Importantly for visitors, the hospital has been designed to accommodate spectators, with huge glass panels around operating theatres and animal treatment areas.
Whatever is happening on the day is what visitors will share.
It may be an emergency operation on a koala that has been hit by a car, the examination of an endangered turtle with a torn flipper, a final check on an animal that is ready to be released in the wild or the hand feeding of orphaned animals.
The Australian Wildlife Hospital, which is run by the late Steve Irwin's conservation charity Wildlife Warriors Worldwide and is set to be the world's biggest wildlife hospital, promises to be a memorable addition to a visit to the adjacent Australia Zoo. A big part of Irwin's vision for the hospital, which he intended to dedicate to the memory of his mother, was to encourage people to come to see the work being done.
"It is all about education. People don't care about what they don't come into contact with," says hospital manager, Gail Gipp. "Having the glass walls gives us the opportunity to operate in a much more clinical way, without cutting off access for people. And it means people can come and see where their money (charitable donation) has gone."
For the staff of the hospital, the move out of the avocado shed will be a time of excitement and nostalgia.
"There are so many good memories in this building, also a lot of sad memories," Gipp says. "There's a lot of Steve (Irwin) in here as well. He never saw the new building, so that's sad."
What's happened to our koalas?
News source: Noosa Style Living
Winter June-Sep 08
WITH rampant urbanisation taking its toll on koala numbers and the carrying capacity of the Noosa National Park unable to support an abundant koala population, where will the cuddly icons live?
When was the last time you saw a koala chomping gum leaves near Halse Lodge, asleep in a tree at Little Cove or checking out the diners and bush turkeys at Lindoni's or Rococo?
It's not just land-clearing which leads to fragmented koala populations becoming unsustainable but also the secondary effects of road trauma incidents, attacks by domestic dogs and the challenges of disease.
After the koala hunts of the early 20th Century, Noosa's wild koala population was boosted in the 60s when Dr Arthur Harold rescued several from the Beerwah area when it was being cleared for radiata pine plantations. For a couple of decades koalas thrived there enjoying abundant food. By the 1990s however the human population and infrastructure had grown to a point where koalas were regularly getting into strife. No road sense, no idea that they should keep away from dogs and of course they wouldn't survive once the forest was cleared for development. There was also the problem of Chlamydia which causes several things including blindness and infertility.
Noosa Veterinary Surgery's Mark Powell has been the first port of call for many koalas in need and Mark and his staff, rangers and a network of volunteers have given their time unstintingly to rescue, rehabilitate and release them. Support has also increased with Australia Zoo establishing a wildlife hospital and the Australian Koala Foundation has always championed the cause.
Amongst the many touching tales is related by volunteer Wanda Grabowski: "Bart and his mother were found in extremely poor condition on the ground at Weyba Park and taken to the Australian Wildlife Hospital. Bart's mother was suffering from lymphoma and leukaemia, so put to sleep and I was lucky enough to have the privilege of raising this feisty 800 gram joey.
"At that time I was raising another female koala joey named Anna and Bart joined her in my 'koala guestroom'. Bart decided Anna would be his 'surrogate mother' and clambered or jumped onto her back at every opportunity.
"In time they both adjusted to each other's company and things settled down. At around 2.5 kilos I began weaning him off the Infasoy paste and Bart went downstairs with Anna into an outdoor enclosure. It was a pleasure to see him tearing into the fresh leaf brought to him daily by his loving foster mother.
"At 3.5 kilos Bart went into the Kindergarten Rainforest Enclosure at the Australian Wildlife Hospital. It is here that the bonds between human foster mothers and their charges are severed. Koala joeys learn to mix with other koalas and deal with the vagaries of sun, wind and rain. I then began the process of searching for an appropriate location in which to release Bart.
"Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service insist koalas be returned from whence they came. In many cases, this isn't a good idea. Bart came from the suburbs of Noosa and I felt that to put him back into that environment would guarantee his demise, sooner rather than later. Hand raised joeys do not acquire the same instincts that a joey develops growing up with its natural mother. I believe the best option for hand-raised joeys is to release them into bushland that won't be cleared for development and where there is little to no road traffic and minimal chances of coming across dogs."
Much to Wanda's chagrin, Bart was released near Noosa Springs to fend for himself, face a lot of competition for food and access to mates. He lasted six months and was found by the side of the road in Weyba Downs. "An autopsy revealed that my perfect, gentle, precious boy had received multiple dog bites to his side and thighs - his liver was ruptured and his abdomen was full of blood," says an upset Wanda. "Wild dogs or dingoes in search of food had not attacked Bart, rather well fed, unrestrained domestic pets. All the love, care and nurturing I provided came to nothing."
Mark Powell is doubtful if people living in Noosa know how dire the situation is: "Take a wander in the beautiful Noosa National Park, sniff the air, watch the ground for droppings, study the eucalypt canopy and you never know, you might see an elusive, gentle, wild koala."
Roo cull costly on pouch
News source: The Daily Telegraph
23 May 2008
By Alison Rehn
KANGAROOS that have been culled in Canberra this week could have been spared for less than $400,000 - nine times less than Defence claimed it would cost.
The Daily Telegraph has learned Wildlife Warriors - established by the late Steve Irwin - offered late last year to relocate 400 kangaroos from Defence land in Canberra's north to private land, initially at a cost of $690,000.
But after Defence claimed their offer was too expensive, it came back with an offer in the high $300,000s.
General Manager of the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Wildlife Warriors, Gail Gipp, said that in 2007 the group responded to Defence's request for applications to relocate the kangaroos from the Belconnen site.
Ms Gipp said she believed Wildlife Warriors' offer provided a "good outcome" for the kangaroos, but after submitting its revised offer, the group "never heard from Defence again."
Eight days ago, when Defence said there was "no option" but for the cull to go ahead, the department said it would cost $3.5 million to relocate the kangaroos.
Brighter prognosis, by gum
News source: The Courier-Mail
1 May 2008
By Sophie Elsworth
ONE of the world's largest animal hospitals is coming to the Sunshine Coast.
The $5 million facility at Australia Zoo is less than two months from completion, and will have more than 10,000 patients pass through its doors each year.
Dr Jon Hanger, who is director of veterinary services and research at the hospital, said the project was "exciting" and will be a dramatic improvement on the existing wildlife hospital.
"It's about six times the area of what we have now. Basically in the old hospital we just have one treatment room," he said.
"The new hospital will have dedicated operating rooms, including rooms for ultrasounds and for x-rays and a CAT scanning machine. We also have an autopsy room and a laboratory."
The old hospital facility was built in honour of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's mother Lyn, who died in a car crash eight years ago.
It will continue working alongside the new facility, which will house state-of-the-art equipment. The CAT-scan machine, which is worth more than $1 million, was donated to the hospital by Queensland Diagnostic Imaging.
The staff, including seven vets and more than 100 volunteers, will treat a range of animals, from tiny frogs to marine turtles, birds, reptiles and kangaroos.
The new building is funded by Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide - and the Federal Government has contributed $2.5 million to the project. The rest of the funds are being met by various other sponsors and charity fundraising.
Bringing Steve's dream to life ...
News source: Sunshine Coast Sunday
13 April 2008
By Jane Gardner
FOUR years ago, an old avocado packing shed at Beerwah was converted into a makeshift hospital for sick and injured wildlife with the blessing of passionate conservationist Steve Irwin.
Gail Gipp became the first member of staff.
Ms Gipp, who is now the general manager of the Australian Wildlife Hospital, had no idea then she was about to become the driving force behind the establishment of the world's biggest wildlife hospital.
As it is, the little old shed has to cope under the pressure of 20 full-time staff and 80 volunteers who treat 6000 animals each year in trying conditions.
There is one small operating room, which houses the tables, reception, equipment and an x-ray machine that when in use requires all staff to leave the building.
Upstairs, there are two even tinier rooms, one for the reptiles, another for the staff and intensive care patients and a bunk for the hospital manager Ms Gipp to sleep.
Before his death, the greatest Wildlife Warrior of them all - Steve Irwin - recognised the need for a "you beaut" hospital by pitching in $1 million to build his dream.
In June, Steve's dream will be realised, as the Wildlife Warriors move into a facility next door, seven times the size of their current headquarters.
The $5 million "eco-facility" will be the largest wildlife hospital in the world.
Yesterday, half-a-dozen tradesmen from Walton Constructions donated their time to help the great Steve Irwin's dream come to fruition.
They helped install a $60,000 smart lighting system, called C-Bus, donated by Eaton Electrical Group and Clipsal.
The system automatically switches off the light when someone leaves the room.
It's just one of the fantastic environmentally friendly initiatives used in the construction of the facility.
Architect Andrew Webb took on the project 20 months ago, with a mission to use building materials that would cause the least harm to the environment and smart design concepts that minimise power use.
"We considered where materials have come from, how they are best used in building and where they will end up ultimately when the building is demolished or changed," he said.
"It's probably six or seven times the size of the old building. They're not going to know themselves. It's really going to change Wildlife Warriors operations. It's really exciting for them and a wonderful project to be involved in".
"When Gail first rang me she said they were currently in an avocado packing shed and I thought 'well, maybe they want a slightly bigger shed', but the scale of this being the largest wildlife hospital in the world has been a fantastic challenge. Virtually all the hospital facilities, they do have ambulances that come in and public drop off, they cover quite a large area with these services.
"It's just amazing, we have our painters starting today so I'm very anxious to see the finishing touches come together. It has been a challenge."
The new building is built out of hay and mud brick and maximises natural lighting to save power and to make the animals feel more at home. It has two operating theatres with ceiling-to-floor glass windows for student vets to watch operations.
There are two treatment rooms, separate intensive care units for mammals, birds and reptiles, a staff room, five toilets, a CAT scan room, an ambulance bay and public drop off area, a pharmacy, a nursery and a waiting room.
It also features a conference room that will be hired out to generate funds for the hospital and made available free of charge to companies who have donated time and materials to build the hospital.
"It's overwhelming and it's so exciting to see our dream materialise and also Steve and Terri's dream," Gail said.
"I hope all of Australia can be proud of what we've achieved. We've had some absolutely amazing donations ... we're so lucky we have (medical) equipment other people only dream about."
Save the Species ...
koalas rescued around Kallangur
News source: Norths Leagues & Services Club Magazine
Issue 2 - March/April 2008
THERE'S no doubt that these cuddly looking "bears" are one of our best loved national symbols. It's devastating then to learn that so many of these native Australian marsupials are killed or injured on Queensland roads every year.
In 2007, the Beerwah Australian Wildlife Hospital alone treated over 600 koalas, a number which is sadly on the rise.
"At present we have 28 koalas in care," says Carolyn Beaton, Public Relations Consultant for the Hospital. "That number can easily quadruple during busy periods, particularly the koala breading season."
The Australian Wildlife Hospital is the nearest treatment facility to the Kallangur and Pine Rivers areas and caters to the wildlife corridor that runs through Pine Rivers. This area has one of the largest koala populations in Australia and is unfortunately where many of these koala injuries occur, through motor accidents and dog attacks.
"The Hospital provides emergency rescue, treatment and rehabilitation services - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," says Carolyn. Rescued koalas (whom the Hospital refers to as "patients") are taken to the Hospital where they receive expert care and attention, including a comprehensive health assessment that involves x-rays, ultrasound examination, blood tests and swabs.
The koalas remain in care until they are fit and healthy enough to be released back into the wild. Although, it's not always easy to say goodbye.
"Each Hospital patient receives a name as soon as they are admitted," says Carolyn. "We do get to know each patient as an individual, particularly if we are caring for them for several weeks or months. They each have unique personalities just as people do."
But while letting go can sometimes be hard, the real rewards come when a patient can be taken home. "Our over-riding desire is to see every patient become fit and well so that they can be returned to the wild and to live the life that they are meant to," says Carolyn.
"The Hospital's motto is 'save one, save the species' - every patient that we can successfully treat and return to the wild makes a difference."
The carers and staff at the Australian Wildlife Hospital do a fantastic job in taking care of these beautiful creatures, but we can all do our bit too. Carolyn suggests that motorists should be particularly alert during sunrise and sunset and in wildlife "hot spots" (these are generally well sign-posted).
"If you see injured wildlife on the roadside, please do stop to lend assistance where it is safe to do so," adds Carolyn. "In particular, it is helpful to cover them with a towel or blanket and to check the pouches of females (but do not attempt to remove a joey) until assistance arrives. Call the Australian Wildlife Hospital (1300 369 652) or nearest wildlife treatment facility for emergency assistance."
The Australian Wildlife Hospital is sponsored by Australia Zoo and is also funded by public donations to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, a charity founded by Steve and Terri Irwin. If you'd like to make a donation, please visit the Australian Wildlife Hospital website at http://wildlifewarriors.org.au/wildlife_hospital.
Fishing poses threat to wildlife
News source: Sunshine Coast Sunday
16 March 2008
By Alan Lander
AS wildlife across the Coast continues to suffer the effects of human population growth, including habitat clearance and attacks by domestic animals, seabirds are the latest patients in the firing line.
Carers say the increase in recreational fishing means more birds are fighting for the same food source or aiming for easy pickings.
But the price is high.
The Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah is worried about the influx of pelicans, crested terns and pied cormorants needing surgery for injuries from fishing hooks.
Veterinary surgeon Amber Gillett said while fishermen were not personally to blame for bird injuries, a lot could be done to reduce hospital cases, with many birds able to be rescued on the spot.
"Avians (birds) represent 50-60% of all our 'patients' and seabirds represent around 15%," she said. "Fish shortages in the oceans are attracting birds closer to spots where there are more fish, meaning where anglers are, boats etc,"
The hospital hoped to talk to fishing groups to seek shared solutions.
"We're already involved in other groups' work, especially with koala habitats," Dr Gillett said.
"We can't cover it all, but we're open to talk. We recognise that crab pots, trawlers and general rubbish presents hazards to seabirds too - there are several levels that need to be addressed."
Dr Gillett said the hospital had seen about 170 seabirds in 18 months, including almost 80 in the past two months.
She said the birds treated at the hospital were only those brought in. Many other injured birds were either helped on site by the people who found them, or left to die.
"Twenty-one per cent of birds we see have fishing tackle injuries," she said. "The survival rate is about 50%.
One pelican called Harriet was brought in from Redcliffe.
"She had swallowed a hook, plus she had a piece of metal sticking out of her body," Dr Gillett said.
"Fortunately, she recovered well, however it was frustrating that two other pelicans, Jenny and Jake, admitted with similar injuries shortly after."
Dr Gillett said the birds were often going for the fishing line bait.
"It happens mainly when an angler is casting," she said. "We would ask that if someone catches a bird they notify someone."
"The problem is many feel they will get into trouble if they report or take in an injured bird.
"You will not be blamed."
First Person
News source: The Weekender
21 February 2008
THE Sunshine Coast is home to many great things. Most are obvious, some operate behind the scenes. The Australian Wildlife Hospital, which will become the world's largest when work is completed on the new facility in April, is in the latter camp. Offering round-the-clock care for sick and injured wildlife, the team of staff and volunteers follow founder Steve Irwin's lead and stop at nothing to save native species from injuries and disease. Now, the call has gone out for more volunteers. Manager Gail Gipp explains what it takes to be a hospital helper.
What kind of person do you need to be? You just have to love animals and get enjoyment from working with them. You also have to have the time, not mind getting dirty and be pretty able-bodied as there's a lot of work done outside.
What would you do from day to day? Everything. Our volunteers clean all of the koala shelters, they paste-feed the koalas and look after the many animals in our care.
How many volunteers do you need? We've got 82 volunteers at the moment and need another 20. Some of our volunteers have been with us from the start and tell us they love it. It's a really nice environment to be in - we all work very closely and don't segregate between staff and volunteers. We're very grateful to them. We wouldn't be able to do it without the volunteers.
Snake's dinner bell
News source: The Courier-Mail
9 February 2008
By Philip Hammond
A COLLAR with bells on will help prevent your cat eating native wildlife, but it won't prevent the wildlife eating your cat.
That was this week's message from Caboolture Shire Council bushcare officer Ed Surman, who was called to Bribie Island last month where a big carpet python was curled up under a house.
Little Hannah on way to recovery
News source: The Sunday Mail
27 January 2008
By Hannah Davies
SHE'S had a rough ride so far but this baby platypus is now on the road to recovery.
Little Hannah has touched the hearts of carers at the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah, just north of Brisbane, since she was rescued from a flooded river in New South Wales.
'Big Ted' recovering
News source: Island News
23 January 2008
By The Ferryman
BIG Ted, the elderly loggerhead turtle rescued in the Pumicestone Passage in October 2007 and featured in the Bribie Weekly on November 23, is still under care at the Australian Wildlife Hospital.
The team was working hard to source information and food to help him heal and return to the wild.
First weighing in at about 108 kilograms when found by Dave at Bribie Island Boat Hire, his weight dropped to 97 kg but it was now a fantastic 107 kg and he was now starting to swim like the angel of the ocean that he is.
The team was tube feeding Ted with a "slurpy" made of green lipped muscles carrots, de-inked squid, prawns and bait fish - all in the kitchen blender. Yum. Bid Ted was relishing both the food and the attention.
Another loggerhead found recently sparked Ted's interest - she was a female, of breeding age and was found at Godwin Beach. The outlook was good for Winnie and she gave Ted a new lease on life.
Brooke (pictured in November 23 issue) unfortunately did not make it and was found to have extreme impaction in her gut described as "the size and depth of a concrete block". There was no hope for her as her sickness was months in the making. There were numerous rescues both up the coast and within Pumicestone Passage this season with many turtles reported with boat strikes as well as floating sickness. Please do not leave rubbish around - it ends up in the sea, with turtles eating items they cannot digest, dying a slow and painful death.
Ferryman Cruises, Bribie Island is trying to source wild by-catch that may be suitable to use for the turtles' rehabilitation. Should you spot a turtle in distress, phone 1300 369 652, or if dead, report any tag/identity number, size and injuries.
