Gum Tips - BUSHFIRE VICTIMS - Koala Hospital
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Gum TipsJune 2020
News Learn more Thank you
BUSHFIRE VICTIMS ARE THE FORESTS WORLD SHOWS
RELEASED REGENERATING? KINDNESS AND
INGENUITY
FORESTS START TO
REGENERATE AFTER
FIRE AND DROUGHT
30-50 years to return to glory if
ever.
Our search and rescue teams
brought animals in from far and
wide. While those koalas were
in rehabilitation, we awaited the
regeneration of the forests from
which they had come. Eucalyptus
trees have adapted to recover
well after fire. Fresh growth stems
from lignotubers underground, or
from epicormic buds stored deep
beneath the thick bark in trunks
and branches. Before long, our
Burnt koala habitat in Lake Innes Nature Reserve, November 2019. local koala forests appeared furry
with the new shooting branches
Bushfires have 2019 was Port Macquarie’s driest
soon defining the trees’ new
year in over 150 years of records.
been the last straw, This followed ten years of below structure.
annihilating some average rainfall and highest-on-
areas. record mean temperatures across
Australia. In addition, for New
South Wales 2019 was the warmest
The 2019 NSW bushfire season year on record. We received
started earlier, and more reports of empty dams for the first
ferociously than expected. On time ever and witnessed tree die-
October 26, a dry electrical storm in back on grand scales; dehydrated
Port Macquarie started a fire that koalas were being admitted to the
very quickly traveled south through Koala Hospital almost daily.
Lake Innes Nature Reserve.
Concurrently, a fire at Gospers Some forested areas have been
Mountain, further south in Wollemi under such pressure over a very
National Park, also ignited by a long time with drought, that the
lightning strike, started Australia’s fires have been the last straw and
largest known single ignition point totally annihilated some sites.
forest fire. This was the beginning Crowdy Bay is a classic example of
of Australia’s most devastating long-term drought and repeated New growth sprouts from underground
bushfire season on record. fire events. Some spots will take lignotubers following bushfire.
Front cover: A juvenile male koala is released in Lake Innes Nature Reserve. Image courtesy of Port Macquarie Hastings Council.
GUM TIPS | JUNE 2020 | P2
Some forests are to 75% of koala habitat has been
lost in New South Wales, due to
slowly returning to this single devastating bushfire
health. season.
As a global community, we
must address our changing
With forests slowly returning to
climate as these drought and fire
health, we released the koalas events will occur into the future.
back to their recovering habitats. Koala Conservation Australia
The consequent effect on koala is currently designing the first
populations, however, has been breeding program and facility The resilience of the Australian bush:
lush, new growth amongst trees burnt by
immense; some populations may to help increase numbers and fire only 6 months earlier. Image courtesy
never recover. It is estimated that genetic robustness in wild koala of Port Macquarie Hastings Council.
8,000 koalas have perished and up populations in New South Wales.
A newly-released koala in Crowdy Bay National Park. Thankfully plentiful, fresh Fresh leaves grow from epicormic buds
food leaves surround her in this part of the park. Image courtesy of Port Macquarie deep in the trunks and branches of trees.
Hastings Council.
CONTENTS
Forests start to regenerate............................................2 World shows kindness and ingenuity..........................8
Report by Clinical Director, Cheyne Flanagan............4 Hospital activity report..................................................10
Report by President, Sue Ashton..................................5 Koala Kids........................................................................11
Bushfire victims released...............................................6
GUM TIPS is the official newsletter of Koala Conservation Australia Disclaimer Koala Conservation Australia Inc. and the Management
Inc. and is published quarterly. Committee do not accept any liability for the results of any actions taken
Editor: Becky Harrington or not taken, on the basis of information given or discussed with groups
Contributors: Cheyne Flanagan, Scott Castle, Sue Ashton, Becky or other organised events, meetings and/or for information provided
Harrington by speakers or for any information published for or on behalf of the
Photography (unless individually credited): Scott Castle, Gaby Rivett, organisation, its organs and officers.
Sue Ashton, Becky Harrington
GUM TIPS | JUNE 2020 | P3
REPORT BY
CLINICAL DIRECTOR,
CHEYNE FLANAGAN
Goodness hasn’t 2020 been a wild regrowth of quality vegetation that can report that all the koalas were
ride so far? Drought, bushfires was not only perfect but there is successfully released and follow
and now COVID-19. We made the also a small number of koalas who up observations showed they all
decision to close the Koala Hospital live there. were high up in the trees, although
to visitors in mid March. It has been it was impossible to know who was
It was a major exercise preparing
eerily quiet in the public areas. who. We still currently have five
all the koalas – eartagging and
Behind the scenes it is still business fireground koalas remaining at the
microchipping, final weights and
as usual. hospital.
health assessments. Some of the
In the early stages of the lockdown, koalas were in a big open pre- COVID - 19 lockdown has had
we decided that the majority of the release enclosure and required a major impact on volunteer
bushfire koalas were ready to be tree climbers to catch them. In the numbers, but thankfully the
returned as there had been really end we got them all! We released current number of koalas at the
good rainfall. Three of us spent a all of them over a number of days hospital is now quite manageable
day assessing the firegrounds for and generated an amazing amount with skeleton staff keeping things
the expected good flush of new of media interest in the release. ship-shape.
growth. Two of the firegrounds We had intended to fit the koalas
This quiet time has enabled us to
which make up Lake Innes Nature with radio collars and track them
get onto the business of working
Reserve had excellent regrowth for six months to see how they
on a number of projects.
and would definitely sustain the coped with being returned to their
returning koalas. Sadly Crowdy home environment. Due to COVID In mid-winter breeding season
Bay National Park even at the - 19 we were not comfortable with will re-commence and things will
time of writing is still looking like doing this, in case we were not certainly start to pick up.
Armageddon so we were reluctant allowed on site with the lockdown We wish everyone good health in
to return them there. However, restrictions. Sadly we have lost these difficult times and stay safe.
thankfully on the southern border so much valuable data from not
of the park there is excellent being able to track the koalas. We
Snap Port Macquarie 1/106 Horton Street
P: (02) 6583 7544 E: portmacquarie@snap.com.au
www.snap.com.au
Snap Port Macquarie are proud print sponsors of Gum Tips Quarterly Magazine
GUM TIPS | JUNE 2020 | P4
REPORT BY PRESIDENT,
SUE ASHTON
What crazy times we live in - first sponsoring land at our plantation, The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
we had the devastating bush fires or making a donation, people have will be forever thankful to people
that raged in much of Australia supported the Koala Hospital and like Hanna. They acknowledged the
wiping out over one billion animals its many volunteers through these huge loss of wildlife with love and
and birds. As we slowly began to tough times. grace and they also gave us hope
pick ourselves up, the coronavirus
This issue of Gum Tips recognises when times were tough.
spread around the world, killing
just a few of the kind gestures that The koalas featured in this issue
many people and forcing us into
have helped us over the last six
self isolation and social distancing. also continue to give us hope.
months. There are far too many
Despite many having horrendous
This month we are starting to relax to acknowledge in the magazine
restrictions and slowly return to life wounds, and requiring months of
however our thanks go to every
as we knew it. treatment, they have healed and
single person who has contributed
been released back to the wild
The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital to, and supported, the hospital.
from where they were rescued.
closed its doors in March and will On a personal level, one of the They too give us hope; hope and
reopen when the Government saddest days for me during the
advises 100 visitors are allowed to determination to achieve one of
bush fires was when the decision
gather in public places, possibly our goals – to rebuild the wild koala
was made to euthanase a three
in July. To meet the Safe Work population.
year old, female koala I
practices we have invested in
had cared for in home
perspex barriers, signs and will
care. Her name was Rue,
direct visitors through the exhibit
and sadly her burns were
koalas. The Koala Museum will
so severe the difficult
remain closed.
decision to euthanase her
Throughout all the sadness and was made.
upheaval, the Koala Hospital has
I was interviewed around
continued to care for injured and
this time and asked what
sick wild koalas.
made me feel sad during
What has kept our volunteer the bush fires and I
teams going is the kind way in commented about the loss
which the public, nationally and of Rue. Hanna in Burnsville
internationally, has supported us. in the United States saw
The staff and volunteers at the Port the interview and was so
Macquarie Koala Hospital have moved she taught herself
been humbled by the kindness to crochet and made the
of so many. People of all ages little koala pictured in the
from young to old, contacted the photo above with one of
hospital and offered their support. our exhibit koalas, Zenani,
Whether by adopting a koala, looking on.
GUM TIPS | JUNE 2020 | P5
BUSHFIRE VICTIMS
RELEASED
Some good news in the greatest reward of all came for
clinical staff and volunteers as they
these difficult times. watched this group of koalas return
to life in the wild.
In early April, five months after The koalas include males and
their bushland homes had been females, independent juveniles and
destroyed by bushfires, 26 koalas mature adults. Many had simply
were released back to the wild by been sheltering with us, provided
the Koala Hospital! After so much with safe ‘bed & board’ while the
hard work and sadness generated bush regenerated. Some have Enjoying the sweet taste of freedom once
more, high amongst the lush new leaves
by the catastrophic fire season, made remarkable recoveries from in Lake Innes Nature Reserve.
the trauma and pain of burns and
dehydration.
Given the excellent rainfall
along the coast early this year,
the Australian bush has proved
once more just how resilient it is,
with fresh green growth already
established in both koala food
trees and the species they need for
shade and shelter. *LINR Anwen, early days after being
rescued from the firegrounds. Anwen is
These healthy, returning koalas
named after a kind, young girl who was
are vital to the continuation of the delivering home-made treats for Hospital
species on the Mid North Coast of volunteers in November, when the injured
NSW. They were released back to koala was first admitted into care.
the home ranges from which they
were rescued, in Lake Innes Nature
Reserve and Crowdy Bay National
Peter Berecry operates the 'cherry picker' Park.
and prepares to first capture a koala
from high in the open yards at the Koala
Hospital, prior to release back to the wild.
LINR Anwen has made a remarkable
recovery. Here she is - bright-eyed, ear-
tagged and ready for her release!
All images on pages 6 and 7 courtesy of Port Macquarie Hastings Council, excluding * LINR Anwen.
GUM TIPS | JUNE 2020 | P6
A newly released koala looks back at Peter as much as to say, ‘Thanks, mate! A lively koala takes off into the trees,
watched by volunteer Jeremy Bear.
These koalas are vital Peter is a great supporter of the
Koala Hospital and we value his
to the continuation of time and expertise enormously.
the species on the Mid Koalas from bushfire areas inland
North Coast of NSW. such as Pappinbarra remain in our
care until their homes regenerate
enough to sustain them. More rain
The whole process was quite an has now fallen in some of these
exercise. During normal times, the areas and we are hoping that it
Koala Hospital might release one or won’t be long before these koalas Ruins Way Baz – a quirky, relaxed
character, Baz was the only koala whose
two koalas in a day. In addition to can also be released. burns could be treated without anaesthetic!
the sheer number, many had first Some bushfire victims will remain
Baz was happy provided his favourite home
carer, Barb, was on hand feeding him fresh
to be captured from big trees in with us longer, continuing to young leaves! He continues his recovery at
large open yards, where those that recuperate. We are pleased to the Koala Hospital.
were unharmed by the bushfires say that LINR Paul and Ruins Way
were cared for while their homes Baz continue to improve, enjoying
regrew. Again, we thank Peter close care and attention in our
Berecry (from Port Tree Fella) for Rehabilitation Yard. They are eating
his assistance, including his vital well, climbing more. Everyone
‘cherry picker’ and other equipment takes a keen interest and prays for
for working high in the tree canopy. their recovery.
LINR Paul – gentle Paul continues his
recovery at the Koala Hospital following
extended treatment for burns from
radiant heat.
GUM TIPS | JUNE 2020 | P7
WORLD SHOWS KINDNESS
AND INGENUITY
Awesome proactive, • Retail shops and friends via social media,
• Hotels, motels encouraging further giving.
creative fundraising
• Pubs and clubs Space here does not enable us
• Financial and legal services to list each and every kindness,
When we truly care, we can but here at Port Macquarie Koala
• Dental practices
achieve great things. This has been Hospital, we are so grateful to you
• Tradesmen and tradeswomen
illustrated by the variety of fund- all; your messages of support,
• Wineries obvious concern and the money
raising activities across Australia
and around the world, as people • Religious groups you gave and continue to give,
everywhere have reacted to the • Community and multicultural makes a huge difference.
worst bushfire season in living organisations When the going has been sad and
memory and the horrific loss of • Correctional centres tough, your action and generosity
wildlife. We are honoured and • Beauticians, tattoo studios have helped us to keep going, to
humbled to be recipients of some keep doing everything we can
of the money kind and proactive Humbling generosity to rescue and care for koalas, to
people have raised for Australian sometimes make hard decisions,
wildlife organisations. We wonder
from young and old all and to move forward now with
at the ingenuity and creativity of over the world hope and purpose. Perhaps most
adults and children who rallied importantly, your donations
support and raised money to help mean we can bring forward our
Considerable time and Wild Koala Breeding Program, so
all our animals and birds.
commitment have gone into the urgently needed now following the
Donations have come from planning and presentation of a 2019/2020 fire season.
individuals and families but also myriad of different ingenious
from caring people who are part of fund-raising activities across
so many different groups, facilities Australia and around the world.
and businesses, including: They include concerts, social
• Recreational and sporting clubs events and sporting competitions.
Baking and craft work has resulted
• Schools, kindergartens, Out Of
in donations from cookie and
School Hours Care, childcare
cake stalls, handmade jewellery,
facilities
crafted hearts, greetings cards,
• Medical and diagnostic practices koala-themed stationery sales.
• Veterinary practices, and Talented artists and designers
veterinary departments at have created their own logos,
universities printed and sold clothing and hats.
• Seniors’ clubs and groups, aged There have been Mufti Days and
care homes Bring Your Own Soft Toy Days,
Coins for Koalas, Pizza Fundraisers. Our thanks to Cathy at LoveOne Gift Shop
• Children’s sporting and extra-
Cookery books have been collated in Ipswich, UK – she decided to make a
curricular groups donation for every koala and tree frog
and published for sale by groups
soft toy she sold, publicising the fires and
• Business associations and organisations. Individuals their impact on Australian wildlife in her
• Gyms have spread the word to contacts shop. Cathy sold them all!
GUM TIPS | JUNE 2020 | P8
Hats off to the residents of Lord Howe
Island off the coast of New South
Wales. These lovely people organised
and presented a charity concert by
local performers, with food stalls and
even haircuts to raise money for the
Australian Red Cross as well as Port
Macquarie Koala Hospital. A local artist
designed ‘Money for a Mate’ t-shirts
Students at Central Regional School, which sold like hot cakes too! Image
Bayville, New Jersey, USA – sold bags of courtesy of Port News.
Hershey Kisses chocolates and called their
fundraiser ‘Kiss a Koala’. One creative girl called Zeynep in
Alabama, USA, made beautiful heart
necklaces and sold them after school and
at the weekend. Thank you, Zeynep!
Students at the Gymnasium Dreikonigschule in Dresden,
Germany – baked cakes and cookies for a fund-raising cake
stall, including very popular, yummy koala cakes. Vielen Dank!
Bunnings at Kirrawee, New South Wales,
raised funds for us at their weekend
barbecue plus an artistic 12 year old girl
drew wildlife greetings cards and sold
them alongside the stall. Wonderful work!
Students at the United Nations International School in New York
City - made and sold koala puppets. They had their work cut out
keeping up with demand!
Students at the Cercle des élèves de Polytech in Nancy, France
organised sporting and social events and cookie sales. Merci
beaucoup! Image courtesy of Port News.
GUM TIPS | JUNE 2020 | P9
HOSPITAL ACTIVITY
(NOV 2019 - APRIL 2020)
REASON FOR ADMITTANCE TO KOALA HOSPITAL
Chlamydia 19
Motor Vehicle Accident 17
Dog Attack 6
Bushfire Victim 53
Other 49
OUTCOMES
Released following health checks, treatment 92
Dead on arrival, died or euthanased 69
The data indicates increased level of activity over the last six months,
heightened by the extreme bushfire season.
During our busiest weeks we were caring for 79 koalas including
53 either suffering burns or lacking food and habitat owing to the At the ‘Lake Cathie resort’, tall trees were
re-designed to enable koalas to climb and
bushfires. A couple of offsite ‘resorts’ were even created at Lake Cathie
have their own space, but at the same time
and Rosewood, to accommodate some of the koalas who simply keeping them contained safely until their
needed food and shelter until their bushland homes regenerated. release.
AND FROM
ONE OF OUR
WILDLIFE
CAMERAS...
We were delighted to receive
this photo recently of two
possums at one of our wildlife
water stations deployed
in northern NSW. We have
received images before of
koalas at the drinking stations,
but it is wonderful to see
that other wildlife are also 'Geez, how many more times do I have to remind you! 2 metres distance!'
discovering them.
GUM TIPS | JUNE 2020 | P10Koala Kids
FACTS ABOUT BUSHFIRES AND KOALAS
The good news is that eucalypt
In late 2019 terrible bushfires were trees have adapted to rejuvenate 2.
1. started by lightning strikes during dry (start growing again) after
bushfire. This picture
electrical storms. In New South Wales
more wildlife habitat was destroyed shows new growth from
in this fire season than ever before, ‘epicormic’ buds deep
including an estimated 75% of koala inside a burnt tree.
habitat! Before long the tree will
Image courtesy of
appear furry with new
Australian Maritime shooting branches.
Safety Authority and
Reuters.
Koalas have thick fur which can help
protect them in bushfires. However
3. radiant heat can burn their skin
underneath the fur. LINR Paul was
Koalas feel safe in trees, so when they
4. burnt by radiant heat.
Paul has been treated
are in danger they climb high into the at the Koala Hospital
tree canopy. Smaller bushfires may for many months,
not reach the canopy but in these very and now he is feeling
large, hot and fast-moving fires, the fire much better!
reached the canopy and many koalas
died or were
injured. They
couldn’t escape.
Image courtesy of Port
Macquarie Hastings Council.
Koalas are well-adapted to
living in trees but they need
6.
long, strong claws to climb and
protect themselves. If their claws
are too badly damaged by burns
in a bushfire, they don’t grow
back and the koala can’t be
If a koala has burnt
hands and feet,
5. released back to the wild.
we can often treat
them successfully at
the Koala AND WE ARE OFTEN ASKED…
Hospital, Where do we release our koala patients once they’re
and return feeling better?
them to Answer: We put them back where we found them, in
the wild. their home range! Adult koalas in particular cannot be
released anywhere else, because they will try to return
to their home range. They might try to cross busy
roads or meet dangerous dogs.
GUM TIPS | JUNE 2020 | P11Koala Emergency Rescue Line -
Phone (02) 6584 1522
If you sight a koala in distress - call our
Rescue Line 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
E: info@koalahospital.org.au koalahospital
General Enquiries: 02 6584 1522
www.koalahospital.org.au
Looking forward to
seeing you again soon!
Once we are open again to the public, please check our website and
Facebook page for information including opening hours and tour times.
Four of our permanent residents:
Lismore Myrtle, Ocean Summer and
Emerald Downs Mary and NATF Zenani.
Koala Conservation Australia Inc.
ABN 74 060 854 479 | PO Box 236, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Licensed to rehabilitate and release sick, injured and
orphaned native fauna under Licence No. 10044You can also read
