May 3 is Wild Koala Day

About three koalas a day are brought into the RSPCA wildlife hospital. May 3 is Wild Koala Day.

Katia was weighed less than 300 grams when she was found on the cold ground. She was brought into RSPCA Queensland's wildlife hospital. Photo: Peter Wilson

Dog attacks and cars are the main reasons while koalas are admitted into RSPCA care.

Today is Wild Koala Day, which is a time to celebrate wild koalas and raise awareness about the importance of protecting their habitats.

An average three koalas a day are handed into the RSPCA wildlife hospital.

May 3 is Wild Koala Day.

“Habitat destructions and climate change are the biggest threats to the koala’s survival,” an RSPCA spokesman said.

“With habitat destruction comes increased risks from traffic and domestic animals.”

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The spokesman said it was a “sad statistic” that in the past year 865 koalas were taken into care at RSPCA Queensland’s wildlife hospital.

“Nearly 80 per cent of the koalas admitted were either hit by care or the victims of dog attacks,” he said.

Katia was weighed less than 300 grams when she was found on the cold ground. Photo: Peter Wilson

One of the most recent patients was Katia, a little joey weighing less than 300 grams. She was found on the cold ground and her mother was nowhere to be found.

“Fortunately she handled her time at the hospital well and was cleared by one of our anxious, but relieved vets,” the spokesman said.

Katia was brought into RSPCA Queensland's wildlife hospital. Photo: Peter Wilson

“Given her size, she will have a long journey ahead and now has gone out to one of the RSPCA’s most experienced carers.”

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Originally published as May 3 is Wild Koala Day