Home > In the Media 2009
Busy doing nothing while our koalas die
News source: The Noosa Journal
25 June 2009
By Liz Moore
I WAS going to write a follow-up news story on the state of Noosa's koala population and what is being done to protect it since local experts claimed in The Noosa Journal that the few marsupials left in Noosa are headed for extinction in a matter of years.
But I can't. There's no news to report because nothing has been done. I'm told there was a report written after the roundtable discussion between council and local experts, but that report was never delivered to council.
The local authority now says it's out of their hands, yet Anna Bligh refuses to take any real responsibility for it either. She and her environment minister, whose name escapes me because it's so rarely heard, have implemented another koala plan to add to the one they introduced in 2006.
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Chloe keeps cause alive
News source: Southern Star
24 June 2009
MacGregor's wildlife warrior Chloe Tsangaris is helping continue the conservation work of the late Steve Irwin.
Chloe, 6, last month handed a cheque for $4092 to Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, the charity Irwin started to preserve threatened species and habitats.
The money was donated by meditation teacher and philanthropist Supreme Master Ching Hai who owns a vegetarian restaurant chain and a cable television channel in Los Angeles.
Last year, Chloe was named the charity's number one fundraiser after raising $3348 at sausage sizzles at home and sports carnivals.
She hopes to add to her tally with more events she helped organise.
Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinemas at Westfield Garden City will hold three charity screenings of Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaur on July 5. Tickets are $10.
Visit www.everydayhero.com.au and search for Chloe Tsangaris or phone 0416 140 665.
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Wildlife Warriors
News source: Mindfood magazine
June 2009
THE Australian Wildlife Hospital 
opened in March 2004, operating from the modest confines of a small converted avocado-packing shed next to Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland.
Until recently, the team of 20 staff (veterinary, nursing and administration) and a host of volunteers were accustomed to working in very close quarters, with every square metre of available space having a function.
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Death knell for our koalas
News source: Pine Rivers Press
23 June 2009
By Bernie Dowling
DEVELOPERS will have "blood of all native wildlife on their hands" if they build on a koala habitat at Mango Hill.
That was the stark warning from Wanda Grabowski, secretary of Koala Action Pine Rivers, to approval being given for 127 new units on Freshwater Creek Rd.
"There have been numerous sightings of koalas on that site as well as native birds and reptiles," Ms Grabowski said last week when the Pine Rivers Press informed her of council's decision to approve the development by developer Dennis MacKenzie.
"It is primary koala habitat and part of a koala corridor. I think these developers have the blood of all native wildlife on their hands."
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Koala AIDS
News source: ABC Coast FM
23 June 2009
By Robert Blackmore
AT the Australian Wildlife Hospital, you never know what to expect through the door.
Open 24 hours a day, treating sick and injured animals can be as interesting as it is stressful. But for Dr Jon Hanger, it's the koala that is of the most interest.
Dr Hanger is worried that without a massive change to the approach of one of our national icons, the species in the south-east corner and northern New South Wales could face extinction.
Go to audio visual presentation
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Warrior princess
News source: The Courier-Mail
22 June 2009
By Rodney Chester
SIX-year-old Chloe Tsangaris
is well on the way to retaining
the title of world's biggest
fundraiser for Australia Zoo
Wildlife Warriors.
Last year the MacGregor
State School student, who
was then still in prep, raised
$3348, making her the
biggest individual fundraiser
for the worldwide charity
conservation fund.
This year, with the help of
family and friends, Chloe
expects to raise more than
$15,000.
Not that the little
campaigner is precious about
her No.1 title.
"It doesn't matter if I don't
win this time," she said. "I'm
letting somebody else have a
go. It's not fair if I have a go
every single time."
Chloe, who was personally
thanked last year by Australia
Zoo's Bindi and Bob Irwin,
explains why she is so keen
on looking after wildlife.
Continued P2...
"When I was little," said
Chloe, "my mum used to read
me wildlife books.
"I said to my mum, `We have
to help them today so we can
have them every other day and
when I have kids, they get to
feel and touch and see them, not
just see them in a book'."
Like last year, Chloe will host
lots of sausage sizzles. But this
year, with the help of mum
Kylie, she has also organised
three screenings of the movie
Ice Age 3 on July 5, and a charity
motorbike ride from Rocklea to Glamorgan Vale on July 11 in
which Chloe will lead the pack
from the safety of a special
three-wheeler.
The ride is set to become an
annual event and Chloe's
parents are working on setting
up other charity rides along
Victoria's Great Ocean Road and
in north Queensland.
The Year 1 pupil will also
speak at an evening of entertainment
the family is organising for
350 ticketholders in October.
Chloe is quick to give credit to
all those she has helped inspire.
"It's not just me and my family
doing it, it's lots and lots of
people," she said.
"I don't get tired about it, but if
I did get tired I would tell mum
to stop it for maybe a month and
then we'll start back again."
People wanting to help
Chloe's fundraising efforts can
contact her mother, Kylie, on
0416 140 665.
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Rafael back at sea, but his rescuers have
found a way to keep in touch
News source: Sunshine Coast Sunday
14 June 2009
A LOGGERHEAD turtle left with only three flippers - after becoming entangled in a crab-pot line off the Sunshine Coast - has been released back into the wild after lifesaving treatment at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.
But while the turtle - christened Rafael after the character from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon show - may have disappeared into the ocean after a goodbye wave from Bindi Irwin, he won't be disappearing all together from the lives of his rescuers.
A new satellite tracking system attached to him before his release will enable his movements to be monitored and the success of his rehabilitation to be gauged.
Rafael was rescued by Moreton Bay Marine Park staff and the Tangalooma Conservation team after he was spotted floating with a crab-pot line tangled around his neck and flippers.
The Australia Zoo Rescue Unit took him to the Australian Wildlife Hospital, where Dr Peter McKinney amputated the injured flipper and treated wounds around his neck.
Australia Zoo Rescue Unit head Brian Coulter said the satellite system was important in tracking Rafael's progress.
"Rafael was the fourth sea turtle this year to have his flipper amputated due to fishing gear-related entanglement, so we really need to track his movements to learn how successful his rehabilitation is," he said.
The $5000 tracking system was donated by satellite technology manufacturer Sirtrack, which designs and manufactures tracking equipment for researchers, conservationists and wildlife managers worldwide.
"Australia Zoo has tracked crocodiles using this technology but this is the first time we will be using the device to track a rehabilitated sea turtle," Mr Coulter said. "It is very important for the ongoing conservation of turtles."
Researchers from the University of Queensland will collate the data from the satellite system and plot Rafael's movements across the ocean.
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Harley tribute to wildlife warrior at home
in Ayr
News source: Townsville Bulletin
10 June 2009
By Rachel Toune
The memory of wildlife warrior Steve Irwin will live on in the hands of one Ayr couple.
The two local wildlife carers were the highest bidders on a special Harley-Davidson that has been designed as a tribute to Steve Irwin.
Ulrike Roberts and fiancee Terry Hay have received their prized posession recently after a winning eBay bid of $17,500.
The Harley has been airbrushed with unique artwork and shows Irwin's silhouette surrounded by wildlife.
Ms Roberts said her husband could hardly sleep in anticipation for the bike's delivery.
"Terry in particular has been a fan of Steve Irwin for a long time," Ms Roberts said.
"The artwork combined with being a Harley-Davidson made it an easy choice in deciding (we wanted) to own it."
Mr Hay said it was every man's dream to own a Harley and this one was particularly special for him.
"It's a beautiful bike, the photos don't do it justice," he said.
"We want to keep it perfect, it's one of a kind, so it's got its own bedroom under lock and key in the house."
The pair hope to display the motorbike at the Ayr Show from June 24, along with other charity events, to help raise funds and awareness for wildlife in need.
Their entire winning bid will go to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Charity, with all the money going to support the work of the Australian Wildlife Hospital.
Ms Roberts and Mr Hay share a love for all animals and Steve Irwin, which led them to fall in love with the Harley, which is decorated with animals including a crocodile, dolphin and a cobra.
"That's our contribution, we look after wildlife, lending a helping hand to defenceless animals," Ms Roberts said.
The bike was donated by Sunshine Coast Harley-Davidson.
For more information on the Wildlife Warriors, visit www.wildlifewarriors.org.au or call 1800 334 350.
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Ayr home for special ‘Hog’
News source: North Queensland Register
4 June 2009
By Ashley Walmsley
A HARLEY-DAVIDSON designed
as a tribute to the original Wildlife
Warrior, Steve Irwin, has found a new
owner in Ayr.
Wildlife carers Ulrike Roberts and her fiancé Terry Hay were the highest bidders in an eBay auction and will receive the Harley within a week.
“Terry hasn’t slept for two weeks
waiting for his new ‘family’
member,” said Ulrike, referring to
their anticipation over the wait of
their special delivery.
“We were very excited and are still in shock.”
The Harley, donated by Sunshine
Coast Harley-Davidson, is a unique
tribute to Steve Irwin and shows
Steve’s silhouette air-brushed on the
bike, surrounded by the wildlife he
cared so deeply about.
“Terry, in particular, has been a
fan of Steve Irwin for a long time, and
the artwork, combined with being a
Harley-Davidson, made it an easy
choice in deciding we wanted to own
the bike,” Ulrike said.
The bid of $17,500 will go to the
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
charity and assist in carrying on
Steve’s legacy of wildlife conservation.
Both Terry and Ulrike are wildlife
carers and they say their love of
wildlife and caring for them is one of
the reasons why they wanted to own
the Harley.
“Terry has been a wildlife carer
for 10 years now. He has always had a
love of native animals, especially
snakes, hawks and goannas,” Ulrike
said.
“That’s our contribution; we look
after wildlife, lending a helping hand
to defenceless animals.
“Everybody should do their part
towards conservation. Being carers,
our children also share our love of
helping wildlife and we hope they
will continue helping animals as they
grow up and be parents themselves.”
As for the motorbike, Terry and Ulrike plan to display it at the Ayr Show in June to help raise funds for and awareness of wildlife in need, in the hope that others will be inspired to save the diminishing populations of Australian wildlife.
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Trekking in Tiger Land
News source: Sunshine Coast Daily
9 May 2009
By Nicholas Falconer
Nicholas Falconer visits Indonesia's Kerinci Seblat National Park, where he almost catches up with a tiger by its trail.
OUR patrol leader Johan saw them first and quietly motioned me forward.
"Mr Nick, come," he said.
Clambering past the other patrol members, I made my way to the front where Johan was now crouched down.
"Tiger," he whispered, pointing at the muddy ground.
My heart skipped a beat as I looked at the pug marks of one of nature's top predators squished into the muddy trail.
Johan, still analysing the tracks, was taking photographs to record the discovery and size of our sighting.
"Fresh, maybe 2 hours ago ...," he estimated.
He stood and rotated 360 degrees, looking past the dense green and brown foliage surrounding us.
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"Bonny" outlook for injured koala
News source: The Toowoomba Chronicle
7 May 2009
By Louise O'Keefe
A KOALA hit by a car near Dalby last year has made a full recovery and will soon be released back into the wild.
The male koala named Bonny's Boy was hit on the Warrego Highway near Dalby on September 20 and was admitted to the Australian Wildlife Hospital at the Sunshine Coast.
Hospital spokeswoman Carolyn Beaton said Bonny's Boy suffered a broken arm and an eye injury.
"Doctors placed four external fixation pins on the humerus (arm) bone," Ms Beaton said.
On December 2 the pins were removed, however, on the 13th he re-broke the fracture.
"During the second round of surgery, an interlocking nail was placed on the humerus bone which will remain permanently."
On February 24 this year, Bonny's Boy walked properly for the first time since his accident.
"He will go to a pre-release enclosure, located at our conservation property at Blackbutt, to de-humanise and live like a normal koala once again," Ms Beaton said.
Bonny's Boy left the hospital late April and will remain at Blackbutt for about four weeks before being released back to the wild near Dalby.
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Caring saves a turtle in strife
News source: The Gladstone Observer
5 May 2009
By Amy Glass
A TURTLE with a bad case of gas has been released back into the wild after surgery to fix her tummy troubles.
The female turtle, nicknamed "Missy", was found in the Gladstone Harbour on March 28 by a member of the public who noticed she wasn't diving like other turtles.
Maree Schofield, of the Gladstone and District Wildlife Carers Association, told The Observer yesterday that after noticing her problem, the unknown person retrieved Missy and took her to a wildlife carer.
The troubled turtle was collected from the carer by Queensland Parks and Wildlife staff for assessment, and an examination indicated that while Missy was in good health, she was unable to submerge.
Truck driver, and GDWCA member, Jim Goldsmith, then transported Missy down to the Australian Wildlife Hospital near Beerwah, where veterinary surgeons operated on Missy to remove the intestinal gas that was preventing her from submerging.
After a successful recovery, Mr Goldsmith returned Missy back to familiar waters, releasing her at the mouth of the Boyne River on April 28.
Mrs Schofield said Mr Goldsmith regularly plays a huge part as a member of the GDWCA.
"Not only does he transport sick and injured wildlife to the Australian Wildlife Hospital for the specialised care they require, but he then brings them back to where they belong for release," she said.
Mrs Schofield urged any members of the public who came across injured animals, including dugongs, marine turtles, whales or dolphins to contact the Department of Environment and Resource Management.
"If this does happen to you, please don't just sit and wonder what to do," she said.
The hotline for the Department of Environment and Resource Management in 1300 130 372.
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Hero vets making a difference
News source: Nine News - Queensland (TV)
20 April 2009
Presented by Melissa Downes
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Wild ward
News source: QWeekend - The Courier Mail
11-12 April 2009
By Amanda Watt
NO injury too great, no creature too small - and no health cover required. At this high-tech hospital every animal that can be saved will be, regardless of the cost.
Freddo the green tree frog has got himself into a spot of bother. What must have started out as a small bump under his right eye has grown into a bulging mass that distorts his tiny face. The sight of it became so hideous, the owner of the gazebo Freddo called home plucked him from the rafters, rushing him to the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Vet nurse Vicky Carlsson now has her hands wrapped around the amphibian's wriggling torso as veterinarian Dr Stacey Gelis prises open his mouth. A large syringe is forced between his lips, honing in on the rouble spot from underneath. Freddo blinks and attempts to squirm free but Carlsson has a firm grip. She strokes his head with her thumb. "Right mate?" He blinks up at her. She nods with a Doolittle-like understanding. "I know ... you're so brave."
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Losing battle
News source: Sunshine Coast Daily
28 March 2009
By Nikkii Joyce
SICK animals can take your breath away but Nikkii Joyce discovered there was little time for reflection as there was always another patient at the Australian Wildlife Hospital.
Ever walked into a room and felt like all eyes were on you?
It must be said in this personal moment there's no handsome stranger here, or sweeping ball gown and dripping jewels.
Just several critically ill snakes, tawny frog-mouths, wallabies, turtles and koalas. So many koalas.
The moment these bruised and battered national symbols lift their heads to meet my gaze actually takes away my breath for a few short seconds.
But there is little time for reflection as there is always another patient at the Australian Wildlife Hospital.
That realisation struck as a nurse strolls past with a two-metre python tucked under her arm in a way much similar to the relationship I share with my washing basket.
This week marked five years since the Australian Wildlife Hospital opened in a converted avocado packing shed adjacent to Australia Zoo. It's been four months since the 32 staff members and their feathered, scaled or furry charges made the move into the $5 million state-of-the-art hospital.
It is now open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
The halls and extending rooms, medications and medical equipment are strikingly similar to those in our own facilities.
There's even the token "paw" holding for a red neck wallaby on the operating table during our visit.
Despite the birthday milestone, recent events have taken a toll on the hospital.
The Pacific Adventurer oil spill and the recent election weighed heavily on the minds of hospital staff such as senior veterinarian and director of research and ecological services, Dr Jon Hanger.
Ï have enough resilience to know that we are losing the battle," Dr Hanger said in terms of getting the environmental conservation message into the ears of politicians.
"But you never stop fighting and you do whatever you can to relieve the suffering."
Dr Hanger has been with the hospital from the start and watched initial expectations of possibly 300 patients in their first year prove to be one-sixth short of the mark.
In the last year, 5000 animals of all ages from the bush and the ocean have been cared for, 25% of which have actually survived.
There's been some significant trials, not least of which was losing Steve Irwin, the man behind the hospital vision.
"The greatest low would have to have been the loss of our great leader, whose memory and legacy lives on," Dr Hanger said.
"But then there's other moments, like a badly bashed up koala named Steve (after the bus driver who saved him), who suffered multiple jaw and pelvic injuries.
"After three to four weeks in ICU, we were able to take him outside and when you saw him lift his head, when he got a sniff of the fresh air ... it was pretty amazing," said the world weary environmental campaigner, his face offering a rare smile.
Other memories for Dr Hanger include using a human spinal needle as a pin to support the broken leg of green tree frog "Doorjam"in 2004.
Then the hospital's most unexpected patient, Pengy the penguin, got swept up the Sunshine Coast line in 2007 due to storms originating in the southern states.
Every day at the Hospital brings in another story, as veterinary nurse Vicky Carlsson explains while feeding seven juvenile dunnarts.
"They were brought in from the Mount Isa area and their nest was on an air-strip, but they could not locate their mother," Ms Carlsson said.
"After three days without their mum, they had to take them in and they brought them to us."
Ms Carlsson has also worked at the hospital for five years.
"I love it, every day is different. You have some that are better than others, where you are giving some a second chance," she said.
"For the others it's about relieving their suffering and that's something positive as well."
The Australian Wildlife Hospital is now Australia's busiest wildlife treatment facility, the country's leading koala hospital (treating 662 koalas in 2008 alone), and the largest wildlife hospital in the world.
An initial pledge from Irwin to underwrite the wildlife hospital's operating costs is being honoured by Australia Zoo and the cost now exceeds $2 million annually.
There are currently 60 resident patients, with a possibility of receiving around 15 new patients on the day.
All patients are treated on a "no fee" basis.
Plans for the future continue with ambitions for a sea turtle facility, an avian facility to rehabilitate sea birds, a free range area for the many koalas nearing the end of their rehabilitation.
Research is also a significant priority and in September 2008 the wildlife hospital established a koala disease research fund to further investigate koala chlamydiosis and the koala retrovirus, both of which are insidious diseases that are threatening the long-term survival of the species.
Unfortunately, it's clear the visitor numbers to Australia Zoo don't carry over to the hospital, and so very few people can see for themselves the need for political leaders to step up in areas of land clearing debate and animal disease research.
So little of which, Dr Hanger, laments was missing from the recent state election.
"The tipping point for many has come and passed," Dr Hanger said. "Many people ask me if it's sad to say goodbye to these animals that you have brought back to life and I say "no, not at all".
The public are welcome to visit the facility and meet every individual patient, whose name and injury is put on the end of their bed just like any other hospital.
Small donations such as $10 can pay towards food supplements while $20 can pay for one koala's bandages and ointment.
Entry prices are $50 for adults and $35 for children and $150 for a family of four. For more information visit www.wildlifewarriors.org.au.
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Wildlife hospital features in prize-winning
photos
News source: The Courier-Mail
18 March 2009
TWO Australian photographers have picked up prizes in a major international competition.
Photojournalist Lisa Maree Williams won the natural history category of the Sony World Photography Awards for a series of photographs she took of the Australian Wildlife Hospital founded by the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin.
Amateur photographer Claire Martin won the portraiture category.
William's pictures, titled Wildlife Warriors, captured the behind-the-scenes action at Irwin's wildlife hospital at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, which re-opened last November after extensive renovations.
The hospital, which originally began in an old avocado packing shed, now has state-of the-art veterinary facilities and can treat up to 10,000 animals a year.
Williams, who is based in Sydney, began her career in 1998 at the Sunshine Coast Daily newspaper and has had her work published in major newspapers and magazines around the world.
She was among 186 photographers shortlisted for the awards, with 44 walking away winners.
"It was an eye-opener to see entries from all over the globe, of every standard from the most amateur of approaches to the sophisticated and experienced professional," judging panel member Zelda Cheatle said.
Williams will now compete against 11 others who won prizes in the professional categories in a run-off to be named Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year. The overall winner will be announced at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, on April 16.
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Lisa's warriors picture perfect
News source: The Sunshine Coast Daily
18 March 2009
FORMER Sunshine Coast Daily photographer Lisa Maree Williams has won the natural history category of the Sony World Photography Awards announced in London.
Ms Williams was recognised for a series of photographs she took of the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah.
The pictures, titled Wildlife Warriors, captured the behind-the-scenes action at the wildlife hospital which re-opened last November after extensive renovations.
The hospital, which originally began in an old avocado packing shed, now has state-of-the-art veterinary facilities and can treat up to 10,000 animals a year.
Ms Williams, based in Sydney, began her career in 1998 at the Sunshine Coast Daily and has had her work published in major newspapers and magazines around the world.
Ms Williams will now compete against 11 others who won prizes in the professional categories to be named Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year.
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Wildlife will wear the biggest bill from tide
of devastation
News source: The Courier-Mail
16 March 2009
By Glenis Green
IT'S a delicate job - painstakingly wiping deadly oil from the tiny claws of ghost crabs right up to the scaly skin of a venomous sea snake and the rugged shell of a green sea turtle.
Volunteers and wildlife carers have all combined to save creatures great and small from the toxic oil spill.
Fears are rising that the pollution will have a greater impact on marine and foreshore animals than initially thought.
Environment Protection Agency senior director Clive Cook said so far only about 30 birds and other wildlife had been impacted. Pelicans are bearing the brunt with 17 being cleaned by wildlife officers.
Mr Cook warned the ramifications of the oil spill on the ecosystem could drag on for more than a year.
"The more oil we can get out of the system the better it is, but obviously it does have a flow-on effect - if animals start to ingest oil, other animals eat those animals," he said.
The first casualty received by the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah was a sea snake rescued from Marcoola Beach.
"It's very messy stuff and the best thing to use to get it off (animals) is actually dishwashing liquid," hospital spokeswoman Carolyn Beaton said.
At Underwater World at Mooloolaba general manager Julie Cullen said special attention was being reserved for turtle nests which were in the middle of hatching. "People monitoring the nests along the coast are ensuring they are being caged so that they collect the baby turtles and bring them in here ... so they are not going out into the big seas and then swimming through the oil slick," she said.
The turtle hatchlings would be held until the waters had cleared and they could be released safely back into the wild.
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"I can't see how any animal could survive"
News source: The Sunshine Coast Daily
14 March 2009
By Nikkii Joyce
"BLACK" Friday revealed the horror of the Sunshine Coast's worst ecological disaster with the arrival of a seriously ill olive-headed snake cally Beechy yesterday.
The sea snake, smothered in oil, was pulled from Warana Beach by a Wildlife Warriors volunteer.
Australian Wildlife Hospital veterinary staff said that, despite a successful cleaning, it was unclear whether Beechy would survive.
Heartbroken animal rescuers struggled for words as they trekked across Wurtulla and a 10 km stretch of beach between Twin Waters and Marcoola after reports of distressed turtles, and a ring-tail possum covered in black sludge at Alexandra Headland.
"It's overwhelming. I can't see how any animal caught in this can survive," Underwater World rescue unit general manager Julie Cullen said.
"We're walking on beaches and I'm up to my ankles in it.
"It's sticking to my boots. It's sticking to everything. It is just horrifying."
Ms Cullen and colleague Emily Thomas went to the beach in search of two turtles reported to be covered in sludge.
The pair was unable to find the turtles but located several sizeable crabs blocked from digging into their holes by large globules of the black substance.
Ms Cullen said there were fears for record numbers of turtles this hatching season, with at least five nests under threat on the Wurtulla Beach section alone.
"I don't think anyone was prepared for this kind of disaster," she said.
Ms Thomas said: "In 17 years I haven't seen anything like it."
The country's native land animals have also succumbed to the oil slick's effects, with the Australia Zoo rescue unit called to Alexandra Headland after reported sightings of an oil-drenched ring-tail possum in a tree.
Unit manager Brian Coulter urged any person reporting a sick animal sighting to stay with the animal.
"(That is) so there is some hope of locating them," Mr Coulter said.
Mr Coulter described the oil spill as the "worst ecological disaster the Sunshine Coast has seen".
He said patrols would continue through the eyes of the public as large numbers of residents joined the rescue unit searches. The RSPCA also joined the rescue operation yesterday with one three-person team on its way to Bribie Island.
Another team was on standby for rescue operations at Moreton Island.
At Underwater World, rescued crabs off Wurtulla Beach were being cleaned in "mayonnaise baths" and recovered hatchlings were put in kitchen colanders immersed in sea water.
"The mayonnaise works like detergent and breaks up the oil but isn't as harsh," Ms Cullen said.
Residents who find an animal covered in oil can call the Australian Wildlife Hospital on 5436 2000 or after hours toll free on 1300 369 652.
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Totally Wild
News source: The Road Ahead
February 2009
By Jim Mathers
A SIGNIFICANT facility in south-east Queensland is helping to save sick and injured native wildlife.
Queensland is now home to what is claimed to be the world's largest wildlife hospital: the Australian Wildlife Hospital (AWH), at Beerwah, north of Brisbane.
The new hospital, a $5 million project officially opened late last year and a major focus of Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, could treat up to 10,000 animals a year.
The 1300 square metre facility has replaced the original hospital building, which started in an avocado packing shed on the same site. The shed still remains part of the complex.
The hospital treated more than 6000 animals on a "no fee" basis during 2008. Staffing is set to include eight vets, 14 vet nurses, three administrative people and more than 90 volunteers. The aim is to treat sick, injured or orphaned wildlife and, once healthy, to rehabilitate them for release back into the wild.
The AWH also partners with more than 300 volunteer wildlife carers, who help rehabilitate thousands of animals.
General Manager Gail Gipp has been working with injured wildlife in one capacity or another for more than 30 years. Gail established the original AWH in 2004 with senior veterinary surgeon Dr Jon Hanger.
According to Gail, in its busier periods, the hospital has admitted more than 60 native animals in one day.
More than two-thirds of wildlife rescues are the result of injuries sustained by animals struck by motor vehicles or attacked by domestic pets. The rehabilitation success rate is quite high in these circumstances, especially for koalas. Koalas also have a high "admittance" rate due to such chronic diseases as chlamydiosis, which can cause blindness and kidney failure among other things.
A major AWH focus for 2009 will be advancing research into koala disease in association with the University of Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology.
The hospital is equipped with all manner of medical devices that you would see in "traditional" hospitals, including a cat scanner, x-ray machines and humidicribs. There are dedicated wards for certain species, an infectious diseases ward and operating theatres. Major enclosures have been built outside the hospital in which animals can complete their rehabilitation.
A strict process is followed, in accordance with government regulations, in terms of rehabilitating and releasing recovered animals back into the wild.
Environmental elements of the building's design include use of natural, low-embodied energy, renewable or recyclable materials. This includes straw bale and rammed earth walls, and low-toxicity cabinet materials, ceiling linings, floor finishes and paints.
The facility also has a conference room which can seat up to 100 people, with catering available.
Members of the public can tour the AWH (it takes about 1.5 hours) at a cost of $50 for adults and $35 for children, or $35/$20 if you visit Australia Zoo on the same day. Family rates apply.
The hospital's operating costs are underwritten by Australia Zoo, its major sponsor.
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Snakes alive, with help from hospital's
carers
News source: The Courier-Mail
6 February 2009
By Glenis Green
BABY snakes hatching by the dozen and an endangered woma python with a tummy ache have kept staff at the Australian Wildlife Hospital on the run this week.
The clutch of more than 25 tiny carpet pythons emerged in unison from eggs brought into the hospital at Australia Zoo at Beerwah by a resident who found them in his compost heap.
Hospital tour co-ordinator Rhonda Quinn said the resident's dog had harassed the mother snake, which had been curled around the eggs.
When she abandoned them, he brought them to the zoo to see if they could be saved.
With some TLC and careful incubation they all hatched successfully and will be released back into the wild.
The zoo has also had one of its most unusual patients and operations, involving a rarely seen 2.1 m woma python, which had accidentally swallowed a jagged stick that ruptured its intestine.
A property owner from St George in southwest Queensland noticed the snake immobile on the side of a local road and took it to his neighbour who managed an Australia Zoo conservation property.
The neighbour met the zoo's rescue unit at Dalby and the snake, named Booma, eventually arrived in the operating theatre after almost seven hours on the road.
Veterinarian Amber Gillett performed the four hours of tricky surgery helped by vet nurse Peta Moore, anaesthetising the snake before opening it up to remove the stick, which had perforated the intestine. It was then stitched back together again.
Booma had probably swallowed the stick along with an item of prey and it had travelled all the way down the snake's 2 m-plus length before getting stuck.
Hospital manager Gail Gipp said the hospital had treated about 6,000 animals in the past 10 months, both at a new $5 million state-of-the-art facility and in the old hospital before the new one was commission last November.
"In December we had 85 koalas in-house, which is a massive amount for that time of the year," she said.
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Lifeguards save entangled bird
News source: Sunshine Coast Daily
5 February 2009
SUNSHINE Coast Council lifeguards rescued a surfer with a difference on a recent patrol.
Dave Crossingham and Zane Jones were patrolling Bulcock Beach when they found an osprey entangled in a discarded fishing line and caught in a strong current.
The large bird of prey was struggling to keep its head above water.
The pair rescued the raptor and called in experts from Australia Zoo Rescue Unit to nurse it back to good health.
The bird was taken back to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah where the fishing line was removed under anaesthetic.
The team believe "Ozzie" the osprey had suffered an earlier encounter with fishing line due to scars and a missing talon.
A fully recovered Ozzie has been released back into the wild at Bulcock Beach.
Caloundra lifeguard supervisor Mick Taplin was full of praise for the quick actions of the lifesavers.
"It shows the calibre of our lifeguards that they have the nous to recognise when wildlife need assistance and will contact the relevant authorities," he said.
Mr Taplin said the lifeguard service and Australia Zoo enjoyed a great relationship.
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A little more conservation
News source: Qantas Inflight magazine
February 2009
By Jane E Fraser
WHEN did tourism become nature's best frind? Our special report examines new initiatives, environmental and social.
There was a time when a hotel could consider itself a responsible operator for encouraging guests to re-use their towels, rather than merely discard them on the floor daily to be laundered. Today, such initiatives are a given - and being environmentally friendly is only part of the picture.
From renewable energy, sustainable building design and "voluntourism" (volunteer work as one component of a holiday itinerary), to wildlife conservation and charitable foundations, tourism operators are proving to be determined drivers of environmental and philantropic initiatives. Operators large and small have discovered that responsible practices and economic benefit can go hand in hand - and in many cases, the tourism experience is enhanced ...
Eco tourism operators that stay in neutral - and how they do so.
Australian Wildlife Hospital
What better way to fund wildlife rehabilitation than by inviting tourists to come and watch vets at work? Money raised from tours of this $5m hospital, situated next to Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, will help care for up to 10,000 native animals annually.
www.wildlifewarriors.org.au
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Business boost for new hospital
News source: The Noosa Journal
29 January 2009
THE winners of Framing Australia's Wildlife competition recently received their prizes at Complete Framing, Noosa Civic.
Complete Framing Noosa and Maroochydore held the competition in conjunction with Wildlife Warriors Worldwide to help raise awareness and funds for the new wildlife hospital at Australia Zoo.
Complete Framing Noosa spokeswoman Denise Boyle said she was delighted with the outcome and the company wanted to promote something good within the community.
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Little hero's big effort to save wildlife
News source: The Southern Star
28 January 2009
STEVE Irwin's wildlife conservation message lives on in Macgregor's Chloe Tsangaris, who has raised more than $3000 for Wildlife Warriors Worldwide.
The six-year-old's efforts have earned her the title of world's number one fundraiser for the charity organisation.
The late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, and his wife Terri began the organisation in 2002 to protect endangered wildlife and their habitats.
To reach her grand total of $3348.20, Chloe organised fundraising barbecues involving family and friends, as well as sausage sizzles at sports carnivals.
The incredible feat won Chloe a week's holiday on the Sunshine Coast and unlimited entry and behind-the-scenes access to the Irwins' base, Australia Zoo.
She even got to meet her hero, Bindi Irwin, and Bindi's little brother Bob.
Chloe's mum Kylie Tsangaris said her daughter's love of wildlife was sparked by animal books she read to her as a toddler.
"We'd visit the zoo and she would be like a sponge," Mrs Tsangaris said.
"She'd tell us things about animals we didn't even know."
Wildlife Warriors Worldwide spokeswoman Melinda Cook said it was hard-working people like Chloe who ensured the organisation could continue its important work.
Visit www.everdayhero.com.au/ChloeTsangaris to donate.
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