Sick and injured koalas

A number of koalas are found each year with diseases such as conjunctivitis and cystitis (urinary tract infection) or injuries sustained from dogs, vehicles and other circumstances.

The Redlands 24 hour Wildlife Rescue is a community volunteer program that responds to calls regarding sick, injured and orphaned wildlife in the Redlands. It is coordinated and managed by the Redland City Council Wildlife Program.

Symptoms of a sick or injured koala include:

• if both eyes are inflamed, red, puffy, crusty and/or weeping
• very dirty or wet bottom
• signs of injury such as cuts and blood
• very skinny
• not using all four limbs when climbing or walking
• staying in a tree for more than a couple of days 

If you see a koala with these symptoms, please call Redlands 24 hour Wildlife Rescue on ph 3833 4031.

Any rescue causes stress on an animal so it is to be avoided unless warranted. Sometimes the koala may:

• have a slightly weepy eye due to irritation
• be sitting in a non-eucalypt tree
• be sitting in one tree for a period of time if there is new growth/foliage

If you notice this, keep an eye on the koala and if it doesn't move on or gets worse, then call Redlands 24 hour Wildlife Rescue on ph 3833 4031.

If a koala has climbed structures other than trees, leave them where they are unless they are there for more than a couple of days. The koala will move on as long as it is not being harassed by a dog or is sick. If the koala has not moved after three days or so, call Redlands 24 hour Wildlife Rescue on ph 3833 4031.

Alternatively, you can call the Daisy Hill Koala Centre on 3299 1032.