Archived News
The Australian Wildlife Hospital responds to Victorian bush fire emergency
On Wednesday 31 January 2007 the Australian Wildlife Hospital received an SOS call from wildlife carers in Victoria who were struggling to deal with the number of koalas requiring urgent medical treatment in the aftermath of the devastating Victorian bushfires.
Within 48 hours a specialist koala rescue team (comprising 5 hospital staff) was in Victoria working from temporary hospital facilities set up in a public hall at Framlingham Forest near Warnambool - an area considered to be Victoria's koala capital. Framlingham Forest is an isolated forest pocket where one of the last remnants of native vegetation in south-west Victoria - including magnificent manna gums - had stood.
Our hospital staff found that the previously thriving koala population had, tragically, been almost decimated, however there were survivors still perched high in burnt tree tops where they had been ailing for several days. Aside from many suffering serious burns, all were at risk of starvation as a result of the loss of vegetation.
The hospital staff worked closely with local authorities and volunteers, firstly demonstrating the correct technique to safely remove koalas from the trees and then quickly assessing their medical needs. By Wednesday 7 February over 150 koalas had received medical treatment from our Australian Wildlife Hospital team.
Most of the surviving koalas will require lengthy rehabilitation before they can be returned to the wild, however it is our hope that they and their habitat will ultimately flourish once again.
Berrinba Wetlands Development
One million native animals will be killed
Wildlife Warriors Worldwide Ltd., has called on the Logan City Mayor, Mr Graham Able, to delay the bulldozers before they destroy some of the region's most important eco-system through the proposed Berrinba Wetlands industrial development. This plea has been rejected and bulldozers have already started their destruction, which will cause the death of countless native animals.
Senior Veterinarian and Director of Research for Wildlife Warriors, Dr Jon Hanger, inspected the site and has made an impassioned plea to halt any land-clearing while a two-week review is undertaken.
"If this controversial industrial development proceeds as planned, 40 hectares of irreplaceable wildlife habitat will be lost forever," said Dr Hanger. "This site includes dozens of massive habitat trees, many of which are hundreds of years old. These trees are critical habitat for greater gliders and many other native species; it is simply unconscionable to think that a short-term financial gain for Council could justify their destruction. The ecological value of this habitat has unfortunately been overlooked or seriously underestimated during the planning phase, and its loss would be unforgivable." Remnant Greater Glider populations in Queensland are in rapid decline due to loss of old growth forests and woodlands similar to those at the Berrinba Wetlands.
Wildlife Warriors had been contracted by Logan Shire Council developer GDH to assist with wildlife protection during the clearing process, but after examining the site recommended that all planned clearing be put on hold to allow time for an alternative plan for development be considered.
"This is not another appeal by a bunch of greenies trying to prevent development: we are talking about a serious environmental crime being committed if this site is cleared under the current proposal. Council has dismissed the recommendations of its own environmental planning accessors in proceeding witht he development", said Dr Hanger.
Council has decided the best interests of the community are being served by proceeding with the development, and although offered a compromise, Dr Hanger's suggestion to retain a network of habitat corridors to save the ancient trees and their inhabitants has been overlooked. "Our prefrence is that this valuable wildlife habitat is preserved. If development must proceed, then the least we can do is preserve some of the ecological values of the site, and show consideration for the animals living there," he said. "To put things into perspective, we are looking at the loss of over 1 million native animals on that site, if this development proceeds."
In addition, Dr Hanger has encouraged the Logan City Council to consider introducing a new environmental standard of land-clearing for this and other future developments by adopting recommendations in a soon to be released code of practice, which gives greater consideration for the welfare of wild animals affected by land clearing.
Prior to development proceeding, Dr Hanger proposed council grant a two-week stay of execution to allow time for further discussions with Council offiders and the development contractor. "Allowing us the two weeks to come up with a recommendation that will provide a healthy compromise would demonstrate the Council's genuine commitment to our environment, wildlife, and the values of this ecologically irreplaceable site." Evidently, this proposal was ignored.
Wildlife Warriors is continuing to fight this development by bringing it to the attention of the general public through media and striving to make changes in government. As further developments occur, details will be posted on this website.
Far north Queensland needs our help!
Everyone would now be aware of the recent natural disaster that hit far north Queensland (FNQ) – Cyclone Larry.
Even though last-minute preparations were made in anticipation of what was to come, no one could really predict the destruction that was to follow. From Cairns to Cardwell and beyond, a category 5 cyclone (Cyclone Tracey that devastated Darwin in 1974 was rated a category 4), Larry took with it not just people's homes and livelihoods, but native animals and their habitat too!
This region has been home to many endangered species for as many years, from Tree Kangaroos to Cassowaries – and now there is only an estimated 50 individuals left after the Cyclone! This devastation is immense and really hard to comprehend.
Even though we are not there ourselves, we can still do heaps to help out. We have seen the great generosity of many Australian tradesmen and volunteers heading up to the affected areas to lend a hand with the giant clean-up. Here at the Australian Wildlife Hospital, it has been our mission this week to rally support and supplies to ship up to the wildlife carers in need. It is great to report that everyone is ready and willing to help, from local Beerwah residents to larger companies and suppliers. So far we can thank; Breeders Choice Seeds, Summer Fruits Juice, Wildcare Australia, Lyppards, ACTION Supermarkets, Sharpe Laboratories, Glasshouse Mountains Motel, Beerwah Feed Barn, BIOLAC, CHEP Australia, Woolworth's Beerwah, Lea Budge 101 FM, Nora, Les and Trixie Benbrook and Australia Zoo together with the Australian Wildlife Hospital for their generosity in donating supplies to the wildlife carers of FNQ. We have gotten together a variety of goods, mostly animal food, to give to the desperate victims that Cyclone Larry left behind.
We will continue to collect donations and provide ongoing assistance to those in need. If you are able to help with a donation, please contact the Australian Wildlife Hospital on (07) 5436 2097 or Lee Curtis from the Far North Queensland Wildlife Rescue Association Incorporated on (07) 4095 3155.
Just remember - any one of us could be in this situation at one time or another, and just think how grateful you would be for everyone's efforts to help.
Perth Mint donates $10,000 to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide
Coinciding with the recent unveiling of their superb new collector coin program, Discover Australia, The Perth Mint has made a remarkable contribution of $10,000 to the aid the Australian Wildlife Hospital . The generous donation was presented to the patron of Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, Steve Irwin, during the launch of the collection in Brisbane, Queensland, on Tuesday 24 January. Steve officiated at the launch and was proud to see our country's fauna, flora and landmarks honoured in the new coin collection.
Chief Executive Officer of The Perth Mint, Ed Harbuz, said that he had taken a great interest in learning about Steve's invaluable work for wildlife and wilderness conservation.
"The conception of Wildlife Warriors Worldwide was particularly inspiring," Ed said, noting the success of the Australian Wildlife Hospital and Rescue Unit's rescue, rehabilitation and release program. "With more than 3,000 native animals being treated in the past year alone, costs must be quite staggering with staff operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."
The Perth Mint's contribution will provide great assistance to the successful operation of the Australian Wildlife Hospital, and we appreciate their valuable support.
The remarkable story of Diane Sawyer
More often than not, it's the wildlife atrocities and cruelty to animals that receive our attention in the world of conservation. However, here at the Australian Wildlife Hospital we get to see both sides of the coin – the disheartening and the uplifting. We never cease to be amazed by the kindness and generosity of spirit that some people show when it comes to our precious wildlife.
On Sunday, 15 January we received a call from Bribie Island Coastguard asking for our help in rescuing a large sea turtle that was in distress in the ocean, floating a few kilometres out from the tip of Bribie Island. They had been frantically trying to get help for it for more than four hours after they had spotted the turtle trying desperately to dive but unable to do so; phone and radio calls were going everywhere. Finally, Air-Sea Rescue overheard one of their radio messages and phoned in suggesting they call the wildlife hospital at Steve Irwin's zoo because they had a "sea turtle hospital".
Marie, the coastguard officer on duty, was desperate by the time she got through to the Australian Wildlife Hospital and seemed relieved that the problem would finally be solved.
Staff at the Hospital phoned the boat that had spotted the turtle to try and work out exactly where it was; Kevin Doughty, the boat's owner, had by this time been moored beside the turtle for more than four hours waiting for someone to respond to his call. The beautiful turtle was very distressed, but luckily she had someone with her the entire time to monitor her situation.
With direction from our Hospital staff, Kevin agreed to tow the turtle to the boat ramp on Bribie Island – a feat that took over two hours. After tying the turtle to the side of his boat, Kevin proceeded to shore at a very slow pace – stopping every few minutes to allow the turtle to take a breath. In the meantime, Australian Wildlife Hospital staff put together a team and sent two vehicles to meet the boat; at this point, all we knew was that it was the biggest turtle Kevin had ever seen!
A couple of hours later, our team arrived back at the Australian Wildlife Hospital with the turtle – and yes, she was the biggest turtle we had ever seen as well! With a great deal of effort from the six people it took to lift her, the turtle was assessed and placed in our turtle pool. She weighs an incredible 200 kilograms, with a shell length of 1.3 metres!
She is truly an amazing, gentle animal, and we are so pleased to be able to help her and hopefully soon return her to the wild. We estimate that she is in excess of 100 years old – how incredible is that? We have named this beautiful girl Diane Sawyer, in honour of the respected American journalist. We hear that Diane has a genuine love for turtles… and who can blame her?
Now on medication and a diet of sea grass, squid and other ocean vegetation, Diane Sawyer is improving every day. As for the slightly smaller turtles with whom she shares her pool… well, they've learned very quickly to stay out of her way!
So Long, Steve!
Recently Steve, a two-year-old koala who had been with us for 17 months, was finally allowed to return home to the bush. This little bloke had suffered horrendous injuries after being hit by a car. Left to die on the side of the road, Steve was fortunately found by a bus driver (called Steve) who brought him to the Hospital and although his prognosis was poor, Dr Jon felt there was a chance that the koala could survive. After having his jaw pinned back together, rods placed in his leg and a punctured lung repaired as well as undergoing 17 months of rehabilitation, Steve was given a second chance at life. So compelling was the recovery of this miracle patient that TV news crews covered Steve's release back into the wild. Steve's recovery has also contributed to the survival of many of Steve's friends.
Patients Increase – Plans to Expand (already)
Patient numbers are skyrocketing, with over 60 koalas in our rehabilitation enclosures and up to 30 different species being brought in for surgery or treatment every day. Bird numbers are particularly on the increase, especially ospreys and pelicans.
Exciting plans are now in place to build a brand new, state-of-the-art and far more expansive hospital facility within the next 12 months.
The new hospital will be situated on additional land at the current hospital site, and plans for the facility include new separated operating theatres (as opposed to the one theatre we currently use to treat 300 animals each month!) with public viewing through a glass wall, pathways throughout the grounds and facility for public viewing of animals and enclosures, a boardroom, comfortable living quarters for 24-hour staff, an x-ray room and a consultation room for incoming patients. The existing hospital building will become a research centre.
The whole team is extremely excited at the prospect of this new facility, which will allow us to treat more patients more efficiently and with maximum success.
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