Brisbane’s Wildlife Hospital vets report spike in echidna patients

Colder weather has led to an increase in the number of echidna patients being taken to a Brisbane wildlife facility.

The Wildlife Hospital in Brisbane has seen a spike of echidna patients, with experts believing it is related to colder conditions.

Both breeding and echidna movements have picked up this season, with several echidnas found in serious conditions, including a 6kg echidna that was hit by a car in Rochedale and another found emaciated in Goodna.

Sonic the echidna is being cared for at The Wildlife Hospital in Brisbane.

RSPCA Qld Wildlife veterinarian Dr Rebecca Millers said last week alone the organisation had six echidnas housed in its Wacol wards with new and multiple creatures continuing to come in on a daily basis.

“Echidnas typically breed from June to September, and during this time they are on the move trying to find mates and to find a safe place to have their babies,” she said.

But Dr Millers said this time around, we had seen a spike over the April to May period.

“One little echidna patient was affectionately named Sonic by the hospital staff, as he may have been small, but he was fast,” Dr Millers said.

RSPCA Qld Wildlife veterinarian Dr Rebecca Millers. Picture: David Clark

Dr Millers said it was pretty special to get to make a positive difference in the lives of the animals that she treats.

“Echidnas are definitely one of the most challenging yet rewarding patients that we deal with,” she said.

“Their body systems are so unique, and their husbandry is so specific that it means that you have to bring your A game every time we have one of these little patients in our care.”