BACK TO NATURE - Koala’s remarkable rehabilitation

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is urging the public that Trauma Season is ‘far from over’, with record-breaking patient numbers sparking growing concerns for the final weeks of summer.

September to February is the busiest and most confronting time of year for the veterinary team, marked by increased wildlife movement as animals search for food, water, shelter, and mates. 

According to Dr. Ludo Valenza, Hospital Manager and Veterinarian at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, warmer weather poses a serious threat to roaming animals.

“Admissions are rising every year. The 2025-2026 season has recorded almost 2000 more patients than the previous season,” said Dr. Ludo.

Flower the koala remains in care, admitted to the Wildlife Hospital in December 2025. After being hit by a car in Central Queensland, she was driven for more than ten hours to their state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility.  

“Flower is a special patient here at the Wildlife Hospital, as she was rescued and transported by my mum to receive urgent treatment. She had sustained severe facial trauma, including a fractured jaw and a ruptured eye,” said Dr. Ludo.

“Thankfully, the position of the fracture allowed it to heal naturally over time. Flower was placed on fluids, received pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication, and was looked after in the ICU during the first few weeks of her recovery,” she said. 

“While Flower has lost vision in her ruptured left eye, her right eye remains perfectly healthy, and she has been healing wonderfully since coming into our care.”

Flower is currently spending time in a large rehabilitation area within the Wildlife Hospital, where she can practice climbing tall eucalyptus trees and adjust to her one-eyed ailment in a safe and controlled environment. 

“Once she has spent approximately one month in the rehabilitation space, she’ll be released back into the wild in Central Queensland,” said Dr. Ludo. 

“Koalas are classified as an endangered species here in Queensland and New South Wales, making it critically important to save every life and preserve their population for future generations.” 

Motorways remain one of the leading causes of injury throughout Trauma Season, as cars frequently collide with animals crossing busy roads. Motorists are urged to slow down during dawn and dusk to help protect our native wildlife, particularly near bushland or forestry areas.

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, helping sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. To find out more about their work and donate, visit wildlifewarriors.org.au.