Marking International Wild Koala Day, Magnetic Island's beloved Koala Hospital will release two koalas back into the wild this weekend, after being successfully rehabilitated at the Island’s existing wildlife care facility.
Treacle and Pearlie have made a full recovery after seven months and two months respectively and will be released tomorrow morning, Saturday 4 May. Treacle is the hospital’s 50th hand-raised joey, marking a significant milestone for the charity organisation.
Established in 2003, the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital has emerged as a vital sanctuary for the Island's koala population. Despite its modest beginnings, the Koala Hospital has garnered global attention, thanks in part to its feature in the acclaimed Netflix series, "Izzy's Koala World," which captivated audiences worldwide and placed Magnetic Island on the international stage.
Dr. Ali Bee, veterinarian and the Hospital's founder, admits there is an escalating demand for the hospital’s services and a desire to be more visitor education focused to protect an endangered Australian icon.
“It's a very special milestone for us to be releasing two koalas on International Wild Koala Day, especially Treacle who is our 50th koala to be hand-raised and now released,” Dr Bee said.
"Koalas are intrinsic to the identity of Magnetic Island, boasting the largest population of koalas in Northern Australia, and as an endangered species, it is imperative that we do all we can as a community to safeguard their future."
"Whilst we love what we do, the demand in koala admissions is starting to exceed our capacity to operate as a backyard clinic, and we’re desperately looking to expand and grow our facility so we can provide the best care possible - not just the Island’s koalas - but all of our native wildlife.”
"Currently, there is no other koala or wildlife care facility with the same proposed capacity outside of Southeast Queensland, with the nearest facility the Australia Zoo in the Sunshine Coast, and while our current facilities have served us well, expansion will not only be essential to ensure ongoing superior care for koalas and other Island wildlife, but also to facilitate community engagement and visitor education."
Townsville Enterprise Director of Visitor Economy and Marketing, Lisa Woolfe emphasised the hospital's significance both in terms of wildlife care and rehabilitation, and the opportunity for visitor education; congratulating the team on caring for hundreds of koalas, and this significant wildlife release milestone.
"The success of 'Izzy's Koala World' - ranked as one of the top shows in the children’s category - has not only raised awareness of the Koala Hospital but has also positioned Magnetic Island as a destination of choice for eco-conscious travellers.”
“Visitors want to understand how they can be part of the ongoing care and protection of this iconic, but endangered species; and supporting a community and visitor friendly Koala Hospital will serve as a catalyst for eco-tourism, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with wildlife conservation efforts and support a worthy cause.”
“The vision for fostering sustainable tourism growth and highlighting conservation efforts on Magnetic Island came through as a clear priority across all the Magnetic Island Tourism Masterplan consultation, and this is something we’re hugely supportive of."
“The Koala Hospital is an important project, as Magnetic Island continues to chart its course as a leading sustainable island destination."
For more information on the work currently delivered by the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital, visit https://www.magneticislandkoalahospital.com.au/about
