While admissions remain high, our team continues to meet each day with the same focus, care and compassion for every animal that comes through our doors. This month brought moments of hope, resilience and, at times, heartbreaking decisions.
Here are just a few of the patients who have shaped the past few weeks.
🐨 A Young Koala with a Heartbreaking Story
One of the hardest patient stories this month was a beautiful two year old male koala, brought into our care after being trampled by cattle in a paddock. He arrived in a critical condition, with a fractured spine and scapula, and was struggling to breathe.
After a thorough assessment and X-rays, our veterinary team made the incredibly difficult decision to euthanise him to prevent further suffering.
Sadly, stories like this are becoming all too common. Ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation are forcing koalas to cross open paddocks and roads in search of food and shelter. It’s a reminder of how vital wildlife corridors are on all types of properties, big and small 💚
💦 A medicated spa day for one lucky echidna
Thankfully, not every patient journey begins in crisis. A crowd favourite on our socials this month, this little echidna came in bright eyed and alert, but a little too smelly for our liking! After a thorough health check, he was treated with a gentle medicated bath to help soothe and repair skin issues, without the need for oral medication.
After enjoying a little TLC from our team, this spiky patient was returned to his carer ahead of release.
🦉 Storm Season Surprises for Young Tawny Frogmouths
Recent storms kept our team busy, with several baby tawny frogmouths arriving after being blown from their nests. This lucky little chick arrived without injuries and enjoyed some extra love and attention while our team worked towards reuniting them with their family.
Tawny frogmouths are incredibly well camouflaged and often go unnoticed, so quick action from our community can make all the difference during storm season.
🌿 Reflections from November
Every patient, no matter how big or small, brings its own challenges and lessons. From heartbreaking losses to hopeful recoveries, these stories stay with us long after these precious native animals leave our care.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for caring so deeply about our wildlife neighbours across the Northern Rivers.
Want to help patients like the ones you’ve just met? We invite you to become a HOSPITAL HERO today.
By becoming a Wildlife Hospital Hero, your monthly donation helps us treat more animals, stock vital medical supplies, and provide expert care to wildlife across the Northern Rivers.
