Gympie residents’ quick response saves koala and joey’s lives after dog attack

A dog attack in the Gympie region, where a mother and her joey made a lucky escape, has been labelled by wildlife activists as a ‘timely reminder’ for residents to carefully consider the safety of koalas in their breeding season.

A dog attack in the Gympie region on a koala and her joey has been labelled by wildlife activists a “timely reminder” for residents to be extra cautious in the current breeding season.

Mother koala Shauna and her adorable joey Augie were rushed to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital after being attacked by a dog in the Gympie region last week.

Shauna is still recovering in ICU while her wounds heal and little Augie is right by her side.

Koala Action Gympie Region and ANARRA were involved in the pair’s rescue and have taken the opportunity to remind residents to restrain their dogs in koala hotspots.

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Koala Action Gympie co-ordinator Michelle Daly said koalas were at far higher risk of dog attacks and roads strikes at this time of year.

The quick response of Gympie region residents saved koala Shauna and joey Augie's lives after dog attack. Picture: Australia Zoo

“Adult koalas are out and about looking for mates and young koalas are leaving their mothers and looking for their own territories,” Ms Daly said.

“We are calling on the public to help our local koalas get through this active breeding season safely.”

Ms Daly said her team was “thrilled” Shauna and Augie were on the mend and sharing their stories would hopefully encourage people to keep koalas in their thoughts at all times.

“We hope increasing community awareness can really help reduce these impacts on healthy koalas that are needed to keep our local koala populations going,” Ms Daly said.

Karl the juvenile joey Koala being nursed by Paula Rowlands of Glastonbury. Photo: Greg Miller / Gympie Times

ANARRA Gympie Wildlife Rescue Paula Rowlands said she is “appreciative” of the quick response from the residents who quickly called ANARRA when they found the injured animal.

“Their response has helped save the life of both,” Ms Rowlands said.

“We urge all residents to never hesitate to call us if they think their, or any dog, may have interacted with a koala, as even one bite can cause significant injuries and infection.”

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Ms Rowlands urged residents to ensure their dogs were either inside or on an enclosed veranda at night.

“If outside, they should be tethered on a short lead,” she said.

“Koalas do sometimes move in the daytime too, so a fenced house yard and on lead when out walking, will help keep koalas safe.

“Ideally, try also to train dogs not to chase our wildlife.”