Report
all sightings of koalas whether live or dead to Pine Rivers Shire Council
on 3480 6666. Please look for identifying features such as ear tags
or tracking collars. The bodies of dead koalas are collected for autopsy
purposes.
If you see a Dead Koala please check the pouch if it is female as it may have young, which can be saved. DO NOT PULL IT OFF THE TEAT if it is attached, as this will prove fatal. Get the body to a koala rescuer, koala carer or vet as soon as possible. If the baby is not attached remove it gently, wrap it in a cloth or beanie and keep it close to the body for warmth. Seek help immediately.
If you see a sick, injured or orphaned koala, please
ring the Australian Wildlife Hospital 24 hour Hotline on 1300 369 652.
An ambulance is available to collect sick, injured and orphaned koalas.
If that vehicle is on call koala rescuers and other volunteers are able
to transport that animal to Beerwah if you are unable to do so.
Healthy koalas do not spend much time on the ground and never sleep on the ground unless sick. A koala found at the base of a tree is usually very sick. However, in the hot arid regions west of the Great Dividing Range koalas sometimes move to the ground to seek shelter from the heat in burrows and hollow trees.
A sick or injured koala on the ground should not be encouraged to climb up a tree. Place a sack, blanket, towel, or a sturdy box/laundry basket over the animal enclosing its arms and head. When using a box or laundry basket place something heavy on top to contain it till help arrives.
The koala may be quiet because it is in shock or frightened. Please be careful as koalas have very sharp claws and can also bite. If possible move the koala to a safe, dark, warm and quiet place away from any domestic animals till the rescuer arrives.
Any dog attack on a koala even a slight one requires prompt medical attention. Dog attacks don’t always result in torn limbs. Often dog bites on a koala’s body cannot be seen because of the dense fur. A koala’s skin is pliable and closes over the puncture marks. The animal must get to medical attention as soon as possible to prevent infection from the bacteria prevalent in a dog’s mouth. Even a small bite can result in death.
A sick koala can usually be recognised because it has a brown, sparse, coarse and tufted coat. If you can see the ribcage and spine or hollowness between the ribcage and pelvis the animal is sick. Discharges from the eyes, ears, mouth, pouch, vent or wounds indicate illness requiring further medical attention. Urine staining of the bottom, commonly called “dirty tail” is a sure indicator of cystitis (a Chlamydial infection of the urogenital tract). Laboured or open-mouthed breathing or panting indicates severe stress. A sick or injured koala may also show signs of lameness or unusual movement.
Koalas, like most wild animals, mask their signs of illness well. If in doubt, check on the koala a number of times over several days. Healthy koalas tend to move around and don’t usually spend a lot of time in one tree.