Currumbin Wildlife Hospital has just marked its busiest year on record. In 2024 alone the hospital admitted 16,125 wildlife patients, meaning admissions increased by 2,000 cases compared to 2023.
Dr. Michael Pyne OAM, Senior Veterinarian at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, said, “This year has been astronomical. We’re seeing a surge in wildlife admissions, especially rainbow lorikeets and flying foxes. It’s a testament to both the fragility of our native species and the vital role we play in their survival.”
As a non-for-profit organisation, the hospital’s services are free of charge for the community. With the growing number of admissions taking a financial toll, the hospital needs support from volunteers and donors more than ever.
In 2024, Stockwells joined forces with Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. We pledged a contribution towards their expanding koala rehabilitation facilities. This aims to relieve some pressure on the hospital as it advances its care and protects our koala population. Keep reading to explore the cause of rising admissions and how Stockwells is supporting one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world.
Behind the rise in wildlife admissions
The growing number of wildlife admissions can be attributed to a number of alarming trends in wildlife health. One area of concern is the paralysis of lorikeets and bats. The cause of this condition remains unknown, requiring the funding for further research.
Dr. Pynee emphasised the urgent need for more research. “Every lorikeet with paralysis costs around $600 to treat, and treatment can take four weeks,” he said. “Without research, we’re only addressing the symptoms and not the cause.”
Another pressing issue that demands the hospital’s resources is the deadly Chlamydia epidemic threatening koalas. In 2024, veterinary staff and researchers hit a milestone with 400 koalas being vaccinated. This was achieved as part of a round-breaking joint research trial with the Queensland University of Technology aimed at protecting koalas from the disease.
This trial is already showing signs of success with generations of vaccinated koalas taking root. Already, 34 joeys and six ‘grand-joeys’ (koalas grandparents) have been born among the vaccinated population. Dy Pyne. explained why this trial is so important to protecting the species.
“Chlamydia can cause infertility in koalas, so these births are a beacon of hope for a species at risk of becoming locally extinct by 2025.”
While these achievements are worth celebrating, the hospital relies on donations and volunteers to continue their care.
Why donations are essential for Currumbin Wildlife Hospital
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is a not-for-profit charity. Its services are offered to the community free of charge. This accessibility is an essential part of the continued protection of local wildlife. However, with the drastic increase in admissions, the hospital needs donations and volunteers more than ever.
To put the costs of treatment into perspective, a single wildlife patient may cost the hospital $120. However, more complex cases can catapult costs into the thousands. Here’s two real-life examples of cases and their financial toll on the hospital.
Case: Removing a fish hook from a pelican’s stomach.
Cost: $3000
Case: Treating a critically ill koala.
Cost: $7000+
“The wildlife we treat are more than just numbers. They’re individuals with vital roles in our ecosystems,” said Dr. Pyne.
“We’re always grateful to the donors, supporters and partners that we have, but we are in need of more ongoing funding to meet this unprecedented demand and continue our mission to treat, rehabilitate, and release our precious native wildlife.”
How Stockwells supports koala recovery
As part of our ESG efforts, Stockwells is partnering with Currumbin Wildlife Hospital to support their upcoming Koala Rehabilitation Exercise Enclosure. Our contribution will go towards the planting of mature trees within the enclosure, helping recovering koalas to better prepare for release back into the wild.
Our Gold Coast headquarters has played a pivotal role in this partnership. Last year, Stockwells team members enjoyed a tour of the hospital and had a wonderful time at their Wildlife for Tomorrow event.
Pictured: Maddison Mangan (right), Marketing and ESG Coordinator at Stockwells alongside Katrina Demiris-Iseppi (left), Fundraising and Corporate Partnership Manager at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital’s record-breaking year is a testament to their dedication to local wildlife. We look forward to continuing our partnership and helping to raise awareness for much needed donations.
If you’d like to show your support with a donation, please tap into their website here for more details.
Or, please find their wishlist here for specific donation requests.