We’re partnering with Currumbin Wildlife Hospital to expand their koala rehabilitation facilities. Our contribution will fund the planting of mature trees in the Koala Rehabilitation Exercise Enclosure, set to be located at Currumbin’s Eco Parkland.
This new area will recreate the koalas’ natural habitat, providing ample space for them to bask in the sun and rebuild their climbing skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for a successful release. This enclosure will form the final piece of the puzzle of the hospital’s transitional care for koalas.
When a koala arrives at the hospital due to trauma, animal attacks, or severe injuries, it begins its recovery in the koala ICU. After initial treatment, these resilient survivors are then moved to transitional enclosures. These enclosures provide a crucial step for those needing extra support before re-entering their natural environment. Although they offer more space than the ICU, they remain somewhat contained.
To make the final leap towards the wild, the new soft release enclosure at Eco Parkland will offer a more natural environment. With mature trees that allow koalas to climb and move as they would in the wild, this enclosure helps assess their recovery and climbing skills before their final release.
The enclosure plays a crucial role for long-term patients, including those who have been under care for several months. It’s also key in nurturing young, orphaned koalas as they near their journey back home.
Designed with perimeter fencing, the soft release enclosure ensures the koalas’ safety while immersing them in a natural environment. This thoughtful setup enables the hospital’s team to keep a close eye on their progress, support their recovery, and provide ongoing care, paving the way for a successful release into their natural habitat. This enriching environment not only supports their recovery but also prepares them for a confident and successful return to their natural home.
Managed by Currumbin Wildlife Hospital’s veterinary team, this project will benefit from the sponsorship funds provided by Stockwells. The funds will be used to plant and nurture the mature trees needed for the enclosure, ensuring it is fully ready for Koala patients as they progress to the rehabilitation phase of their recovery.
Stockwells ESG Coordinator Maddison Mangan highlighted that this partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting Australian businesses making a significant community impact.
“As a family-owned Australian company, giving back to our communities – especially those near our offices – is a core value for us,” she said.
“Currumbin Wildlife Hospital’s focus on the rehabilitation and release of wildlife demonstrates their dedication to long-term impact and sustainability. Their work is crucial, not only for its immediate benefits but also for its enduring effect on wildlife preservation.”
Koala preservation demands a comprehensive approach, due to the numerous threats they face, such as habitat destruction, vehicle accidents, and disease. Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is dedicated to saving koalas through scientific research and close partnerships with experts in wildlife rescue, veterinary care, research, education, and habitat management. This new enclosure, supported by our sponsorship, is a vital step in ensuring these remarkable animals receive the care they need and can eventually thrive once again in the wild.
To learn more about Currumbin Wildlife Hospital’s work, please visit http://www.currumbinwildlifehospital.org.au/