A KOALA that was rescued from a power pole in Canungra has been released close to her home.
The adult female koala has been in Currumbin Wildlife Hospital for two months after being rescued by locals, Gary Robertson and Phil Campbell.
Wildcare Carer Liz Miller said she had been treated for chlamydia and is now fully recovered and vaccinated.
“All koalas carry chlamidia, it is dormant in most of them but comes out when they are stressed and their immune system is compromised,” said Liz.
“The biggest stressor for Koalas is loss of habitat.”
As koalas are territorial, Wildcare had to find somewhere close to the area she was found, a difficult task with recent developments changing the landscape around the township.
Liz selected a location close to the Canungra Waste Facility, saying it has a corridor to close to where the koala would have come from and plenty of koala’s favourite feeding trees.
Releasing the koala, Liz and Wildcare volunteer Tracey Temperton carried the animal in a crate to the bottom of a medium sized Tallowwood tree with rough bark on the trunk.
“When they have been in care for a while, as she has, they lose muscle tone quickly,” she said.
When released, the koala quickly climbed the Tallowwood tree and appeared to be very settled, leading Liz to think the area might be within her territory.
She nestled into a tuft of leaves towards the top of the tree.
“Often if they are released outside their territory they start bleating and making a noise but she seems very settled up there.”
“I’ve come here before and thought it would be a good place for koalas – they like the Tallowwood trees and beyond that are some Blue Gums and they are some of their favourites.”
Liz asked locals to be aware that the koala might be travelling over the next few weeks while she resettles in the area.
She is identifiable by a red tag in her right ear.
“They are all moving around at the moment due to breeding season so if people are able to keep an eye out and keep dogs contained at night, it would be a great help to keep them safe.”
“They may also hear her bellowing or bleating.”
Wildcare is a not for profit organisation that rescues and cares for sick, injured, orphaned and displaced native wildlife with the intention of returning them to the wild.
If you have concerns about injured or orphaned native animals, please call Wildcare on 5527 2444.
