Bush fires and drought conditions hit close to home

Ember is one of many bushfire victims currently being treated at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, Gold Coast, Australia and is a representation of the major threats facing Koalas. Ember is recovering from both burns and chlamydia while receiving ongoing treatment for her complex conditions. 

The severity of the current situation with all wildlife is extremely fragile and requires quality specialised care in treatment that very few hospitals provide at the same level as the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. Chlamydia affects more than half of our Koala admissions which are rapidly affecting the number of healthy Koalas in the wild.  Sadly, the threat of chlamydia in the wild is as much manifested with the complexity of the recent bushfires, making this combination a threatening situation. Our team of wildlife experts will continue to make strides to save our Australian native wildlife with continued dedicated care, research and conservation.

It takes a minimum of $7,000 to treat, rehabilitate and release a Koala back into the wild after severe injury. The Currumbin Wildlife Hospital has seen an increase of 20% in admissions from fire and drought areas. Recovery and rehabilitation is a long process and the next 3 – 6 months is critical for wildlife.

“It’s important to understand it’s not just the animals that have been burned at the fire front, it’s around the edges where there aren’t fires but extreme drought and the extreme heat which has left many of our animals starving and dehydrated out there” said Dr Michael Pyne, Senior Veterinarian and General Manager of the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

“The pressure of the fire and the associated drought has put pressure on our wildlife and our resources here in the hospital and the time to act is now. You can make a big difference and save the lives of wildlife like Ember and get them the treatment they deserve along with a chance to be released back into the wild.”

The Currumbin Wildlife Hospital has grown to be one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world, with over 125,000 admissions in the last 20 years. 2019 saw over 12,200 animals, which included 600 Koalas - a service that is provided free of charge to the community. The skilled and experienced veterinary team, supported by volunteers, prides itself on providing the highest level of veterinary care to all of their patients.

We have a number of fundraising programs that reach all levels of the community from individuals, businesses and groups that support not-for-profit organisations by nominating the hospital as a ‘charity of choice’.

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is over 30 years old and is a legacy of the founder of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Alex Griffiths, who was committed to wildlife conservation. The Hospital is owned by independent charity National Trust of Australia (Queensland) and operates within the grounds of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast, Australia.

The Sanctuary and Hospital continue to operate with support of visitors, community and corporate donations.