Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary appeals for help for animals on frontline of cyclone emergency

While most Gold Coasters were sheltering in their homes, an emergency was unfolding at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

Koala Laura Leaf bandaged up but receiving some placating gifts of Eucalyptus.

In a wild week of weather, Gold Coasters are urged to spare a thought for the city’s residents most exposed to the elements.

The team at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been on the cyclone-response frontline, but their work is only just getting started.

In the lead-up to TC Alfred’s arrival, stable animals at the southern Gold Coast wildlife hospital were discharged to experienced wildlife carers, freeing up space for the most critical cases.

As the storm raged, patients requiring care were taken home to continue treatment with staff members.

One of the most extraordinary efforts involved Laura Leaf, a female koala who underwent emergency abdominal surgery on Wednesday, just hours before the cyclone hit.

With the hospital preparing to close for safety, the little koala received her post-operative care in a makeshift ICU in nursing supervisor Mallory Wilson’s spare bedroom at home.

“We knew she wouldn’t make it without around-the-clock care,” senior veterinarian Dr Michael Pyne said.

“When you work in wildlife medicine, you do whatever it takes.

“She had major intestinal issues, and we needed to monitor her closely. So, one of our amazing team member’s spare rooms became a koala ICU.”

Koala Laura Leaf received round the clock care in a makeshift ICU set up in nurse supervisor Mallory Wilson's spare bedroom.

Bandaged paws didn’t stop Laura Leaf from chomping happily on a eucalyptus branch, a bathtub at Ms Mallory’s residence dedicated to the important task of eucalyptus storage.

After weathering the storm, the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital reopened on Saturday, immediately admitting 56 new patients, including birds, possums and other animals

injured or displaced by the cyclone.

“We’re expecting a surge in patients now that people are assessing the damage and discovering injured wildlife,” Dr Pyne said.

“Freshwater turtles, seabirds and other displaced animals will need our help in the coming days.”

Petrel rescued from Cyclone Alfred receiving care at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital

The hospital is urging the public to remain vigilant and to bring injured wildlife directly to specialised wildlife carers like Currumbin Wildlife Hospital if it is safe to do so.

With an influx of injured wildlife expected, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital has launched a Cyclone Appeal to help fund the emergency care required in the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred.

Originally published as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary appeals for help for animals on frontline of cyclone emergency