Koalas return home after East Gippsland bushfires

After months of rehabilitation on Phillip Island, koalas injured in East Gippsland’s devastating bushfires last summer are finally home.

Koalas that were severely injured in Victoria’s devastating bushfires last summer have returned to the wild. Picture: Supplied

Koalas that were severely injured in Victoria’s devastating bushfires last summer have been returned to the wild.

Over the past month, rehabilitated koalas have been released into bushland across East Gippsland after receiving emergency treatment at triage centres after the fires in January.

The final group of eight were released this weekend in regenerated bushland in Mallacoota.

Zoos Victoria Senior Veterinarian Dr Leanne Wicker who managed the release said it was great to see.

“It was a special moment to see these koalas, who have been through so much, finally return to the wild,” she said.

Dr Wicker said each koala had been fitted with a tracking device on their collar so specialised animal health and science teams could monitor their progress over coming months.

Female koala, Annie, during health check, has been rehabilitating at the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Sanctuary. Picture: Supplied

Toby the koala being released by Zoos Victoria Senior Veterinarian Dr Leanne Wicker. Picture: Supplied

“I will never forget the injuries and trauma that first confronted us in the wildlife triage units in January,” she said.

“Sadly, there were many animals that we couldn’t save, but we gave our all to treat the badly burnt paws, noses and ears while monitoring for internal injuries.”

Koalas recovered from their injuries at veterinary facilities at Healesville Sanctuary and Melbourne Zoo and were then released under supervision in large enclosures at Phillip Island Nature Parks.

This allowed the koalas to gain back their climbing strength and fitness which is important for a successful release back into the wild.

“It has been a huge undertaking and responsibility for all involved to slowly rehabilitate these koalas, and a real privilege to now be able to bring them back to their homes where they can complete their recovery,” Dr Wicker said.

It is estimated that more than three billion animals were injured or killed in Australian bushfires last summer.

The state government announced today an ecologically significant area of land in far East Gippsland is now permanently protected under the Trust for Nature project.

The area protected is home to various endangered and threatened plants and animals such as the Long-nosed Potoroo, Glossy-black Cockatoos and Coast Grey-box.

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