Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital Braces for Busy Trauma Season

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: October 2, 2020 11:30 pm

A sugar glider admitted to the hospital with spinal trauma

Photo Credit: Kate Berry / Australia Zoo

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is bracing for a busy trauma season as admissions for injured wildlife begin to increase. Over 1,100 animals were recently presented in just one month.

As spring begins and the weather heats up animals are on the move more looking for water, friends for mating season or youngsters leaving home. With humans encroaching on their habitat in increasing amounts this is an increasingly challenging time for wildlife.

Two of the main causes that see animals visit the wildlife hospital are vehicle strike or pet attacks.

Following a busy start to this year’s trauma season the staff at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital are bracing for a demanding season. This is further complicated by ongoing habitat destruction.

Dr. Terri Irwin with a koala joey which is in care

Photo Credit: Kate Berry / Australia Zoo

Dr Terri Irwin, Founder of Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors said, “From September through February each year, the number of patients in need of treatment and care almost triples. This year has been extremely concerning with over 1,100 animals in just one month.”

One of the species with the most presentations at the hospital are koalas. Currently 62 are in care. “Some days we see seven koalas arrive, and we are quickly running out of room,” Terri shared.

“Given the devastating toll the bushfires took on our wildlife earlier this year, it is vitally important for every single one of us to be Wildlife Warriors and do our part to help preserve our native wildlife. It can be as simple as slowing down on the roads at dawn and dusk when our native wildlife is more active and ensuring pets are indoors at night time.”

Pickes the koala recieves treatment at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Photo Credit: Kate Berry / Australia Zoo

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The Australia Zoo wildlife hospital operates year round 24 hours a day. No animal presented is turned away with a view that ‘a life is worth all the time and effort the veterinary team can give.’

Since opening the hospital in 2004 over 95,000 animals have received treatment.

A ringtail possum which was admitted with a bitten tail

Photo Credit: Kate Berry / Australia Zoo

Learn more about the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital on their website – Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital