Roger remains after koala relocation

After the devastating bushfires in Victoria last summer, a number of rescued koalas came to Phillip Island to recover.

Cared for by the team at the Koala Conservation Reserve, all bar one have been returned to their homes, as part of a joint project with Zoos Victoria and Healesville Sanctuary, which saw fourteen koalas released into bushland in East Gippsland.

However one koala, known as Roger, has extended his stay on Phillip Island.

“Roger came to the Koala Conservation Reserve critical care pens with severe burn injuries, and since his arrival, we have seen him build his muscular strength, gain weight and improve his nutrition,” a Nature Parks spokesperson said.

Koalas have to regain their climbing strength and fitness before they can be safely released back into the wild.

At this stage, Roger’s road to recovery continues, but he’s about to have some company on the journey.

“We have introduced him to two chlamydia free females, and he has indicated interest in them during the breeding season.

“His health and wild behaviour have improved enough for us to progress his tree climbing skills from his initial pen to a larger pen, and now we have moved him to the semi wild facility with the two females.”

Staff will continue to monitor his health and condition.

“In early 2021 we will work with Healesville Sanctuary vets to see how his recovery is progressing,” the Nature Parks spokesperson said.

Back to the bush

At the start of December, eight koalas were released into regenerated bushland near Mallacoota, bringing the total of released koalas to 14.
The injured animals were rescued from bushfires and treated at Zoos Victoria's veterinary facilities at Healesville Sanctuary and Melbourne Zoo. Some required multiple surgeries for severe burns and many months of follow-up treatment.

Several were then sent to Phillip Island.

At the large enclosures at the Koala Conservation Centre, the koalas were able to gain the climbing strength and fitness they needed to be successfully released back into the wild.
It is estimated that more than three billion animals were injured or killed in Australian bushfires last summer. Images of injured animals and destroyed habitats were broadcast around the world, and for many the koala became the symbol of the wildlife catastrophe.

The koala releases were the culmination of months of co-operation between many dedicated wildlife agencies and the koalas were carefully assessed before being released at the sites which have been chosen as safe havens that can sustain growing koala populations.

Zoos Victoria Senior Veterinarian Dr Leanne Wicker, who is project managing the release and monitoring of the koalas, said each has been fitted with a tracking device on a collar, and specialised animal health and science teams will monitor their progress over coming months as the koalas restart their lives in the wild habitats.

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