The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is warning the public that ‘trauma season’ for koalas is far from over, with record-breaking patient numbers sparking growing concerns for the final weeks of summer.
September to February is the busiest and most confronting time of year for the hospital’s veterinary team, marked by increased wildlife movement as animals search for food, water, shelter and mates.
IMAGE of koala crossing road: Creative Commons
Dr Ludo Valenza, Hospital Manager and Veterinarian at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, said warmer weather posed a serious threat to roaming animals.
‘Admissions rise every year. The 2025-2026 season has recorded almost 2000 more patients than the previous season,’ said Dr Ludo.
Female koala’s remarkable recovery from severe injuries
Flower the koala is recovering at the Wildlife Hospital after she was hit by a car in Central Queensland in December. A good Samaritan drove for more than ten hours to get Flower to Australia Zoo.
Injured koala, Flower. IMAGE supplied
‘Flower is a special patient here at the Wildlife Hospital, as she was rescued and transported by my Mum,’ said Dr Ludo.
Dr Ludo Valenza with her mother Dr Flavia Santamaria and a different koala. IMAGE supplied
‘Flower had severe facial trauma, including a fractured jaw and a ruptured eye.’
‘Thankfully, the position of the fracture allowed it to heal naturally over time. Flower was placed on fluids, received pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication and in ICU during the first few weeks of her recovery,’ she said.
‘While Flower has lost vision in her ruptured left eye, her right eye remains perfectly healthy and she has been healing wonderfully since coming into our care.’
Koala rehab
Flower is currently in a large rehabilitation area within the Wildlife Hospital, where she can practice climbing tall eucalyptus trees and adjust to her one-eyed condition in a safe environment.
‘Once she has spent one month in the rehabilitation space, she’ll be released back into the wild in Central Queensland,’ said Dr Ludo.
‘Koalas are an endangered species here in Queensland and New South Wales, making it critically important to save every life and preserve their population for future generations.’
Driver behaviour can reduce risk of harming wildlife
Motorways are one of the leading causes of koala injury during trauma season, as cars frequently collide with animals crossing busy roads.
Drivers are advised to slow down at dawn and dusk to help protect native wildlife, particularly near bushland or forestry areas.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, helping sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.
Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital vet treating Pickles, another injured koala. IMAGE: supplied
To find out more, visit wildlifewarriors.org.au.
IMAGE at top of story: Flower, a female koala, is recovering from road trauma, including the loss of one eye, at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. IMAGE supplied
