Friends of the Koala

MEDIA RELEASE

7 June 2007

Record Number of Koala Releases

A record 17 koalas rehabilitated by Friends of the Koala have been released back to the wild since March. Six were orphaned young from last year. The adults have been mostly chlamydia cases. Over the same period 20 koalas have had to be euthanased. All these koalas were suffering from disease; some multiple diseases. Others have been moribund, requiring immediate euthanasia to relieve their suffering.

“Wildlife rehabilitation is a bumpy ride of highs and lows” says Care Co-ordinator Barb Dobner. “We are excited that our hard work has resulted with so many releases, especially of orphaned young. On the other hand we are increasingly dismayed by the extent and diversity of disease we are seeing in koalas on the Northern Rivers”.

Friends of the Koala is a group of volunteers which has been working to conserve local koalas for 20 years. Its activities are associated with habitat restoration, animal health and welfare, research into healthy and diseased koala populations, education and advocacy.

“We need to train more volunteers and we also need more people in the community to be more knowledgeable about the plight of koalas in our Region” said Mrs Dobner

A half-day basic training course will be held on Saturday 30 June, from 9.00am until 1.30pm. The course will include rescue techniques, basic koala assessment, handling and transportation, leaf identification and what is involved in becoming a volunteer at the Koala Care Centre.

Enquiries and bookings can be made by phone: 6622 1233, email: info@friendsofthekoala.org or visit www.friendsofthekoala.org

Photo opportunities is by appointment.

Media contacts:

Care Co-ordinator: Barbara Dobner – 6688 8165

President: Lorraine Vass – 6629 8388