Home > In the Media 2009
Mauled whale dies after attack
News source: Sunshine Coast Daily
30 December 2009
By Nikkii Joyce
A FALSE killer whale that beached on the Sunshine Coast yesterday bore wounds thought to be from a shark attack, experts have said.
The whale died after desperate efforts by up to 50 people who rushed to Twin Waters on a rescue mission.
The 3.8 metre female was first spotted at 6:30am south of Mudjimba Island.
Originally thought to be a pilot whale, it was later identified by an attending Australia Zoo rescue team as a "pseudorca crassidens" - a false killer whale.
The rescue team brought the whale into the shallows to conduct the identification, and efforts then continued to save the distressed mammal, which was believed to be an adult.
The injured whale had a damage dorsal fin and evidence of "superficial" shark bites.
The rescue efforts stretched well into the morning as volunteers and veterinarians fought to keep the stranded mammal alive.
Australia Zoo veterinarian Tim Portas conferred with Sea World veterinarians during the rescue efforts.
A rescue unit spokeswoman said staff and volunteers were able to move the large whale from the beach and transfer it to a truck for transport to the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah.
"Unfortunately, despite everyone's best efforts, the whale did not survive," she said.
"It underwent a necropsy at Australia Zoo to identify the cause of the stranding.
"The full cause of the stranding will not be known until the pathology results are completed."
Those involved in the rescue were said to be devastated over the death of the whale.
Sources said sightings of the extremely sociable false killer whales were not common on the Coast.
They preferred deeper waters away from land.
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Burnt wildlife emerges from the ashes
News source: Courier Mail
12 December 2009
By Ursula Heger
Pictures by Megan Slade & Tim Marsden
THEY are burnt and bloodied but not broken.
These little creatures are nearly all that was left behind after bushfires swept through parts of Narangba on Thursday, threatening homes and scorching 24 hectares of bushland before firefighters were able to contain the blaze.
Yesterday Moreton Bay Koala Rescue volunteers and Wildlife Warriors scoured the burnt bushland, retrieving three koalas, a carpet python and a possum.
Koala rescuer Megan Aitken said the sight was devastating.
"We came across two koalas (that had died), another which was suffering from smoke inhalation and had fallen out of the tree, snakes that were burnt and wallabies running around," she said.
Australian Wildlife Hospital general manager Gail Gipp said the animals were suffering burns and smoke inhalation, and faced a long recovery.
"It generally depends on how severe the animal's injuries are but it can be six months to a year," she said.
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Sarah has sympthy for devils
News source: The Examiner
14 November 2009
SARAH Jaeger has already decided that she wants to be a vet when she grows up. The seven-year-old, who has been named a Tasmanian joey ambassador, is well on the way to achieving her dream after adopting two Tassie devils at Tasmania Zoo.
The devils were orphaned after their parents died from the Devil Facial Tumour disease and they receive regular visits from Sarah, who has named them Lily and Charlotte.
“I try and save up all my pocket money so I can buy things for the devils so they can be happy because they seem like nice animals to me,” Sarah said.
“I named them Lily and Charlotte because I think Lily is a nice name and I chose Charlotte off Charlotte’s Web.”
Sarah will join a group of young wildlife carers who show a commitment to conservation.
Tasmania Zoo operations manager Robert Warren said that Sarah was known around the zoo as “Sarah the carer”.
“She comes out every weekend and saves all her pocket money to help the devils“ Mr Warren said.
Steve Irwin Day will be held nationally tomorrow, and is aimed at continuing the legacy of conservation, family and fun that Steve Irwin created.
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Celebrate Steve Irwin Day Nov 15th!
News source: Animal Planet News Blog
13 November 2009
By Wendee Holtcamp
Read Wendee's blog about Steve Irwin Day.
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Boy's love of animals earns him ambassador title
News source: Public Spirit (Montgomery News)
11 November 2009
By Jesse Reilly
Lucky now lives in 10-year-old Jacob Danko's backyard. She loves wandering in the family's garden and walking through the grass. But, last spring Lucky was not so lucky. Danko and his father, Joe, found the 6-inch turtle badly hurt and missing a leg in Upper Dublin's Robbins Park.
"First we thought it wa a car and then, because of the nature of the injury assumed it was an animal attack," Joey said.
With the number of snapping turtles in the area Jacob believes it has to have been caused by one of them. After finding the injured animal the Dankos contacted turtle experts in North Carolina and have been rehabbing the reptile for the past six months.
"We called her Lucky because she really is," Jacob said.
The boy's commitment to Lucky as well as his passion for animals and the environment earned him the title of Joey Ambassador by the Australia Zoo. The Hatboro resident is one of just two Joey Ambassadors from the country. The 10 others hail from Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.
"I was excited when I found out," he said. "I was really proud they chose me."
The Austraia Zoo's Wildlife Warriors program was started by Steve and Terri Irwin in 2002 and is aimed to get young people involved in wildlife conservation.
Jacob initially became involved with the warriors program after the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, was tragically killed in 2006.
"Most of what I know about animals and the environment I learned from watching him and his shows," Jacob said. "I was very sad when I heard about what had happened."
But through the tragedy, Jacob and his mother, Lori, have worked to keep Irwin's memory alive and got involved in Steve Irwin Day.
"I have remembered the day for the past two years," Jacob said, adding that to remember his hero he wears khaki on the day and makes sure to spend some time outdoors that day or playing with his animals.
The year, like last, Jacob and Lori are working on putting together raffle baskets to help raise money for the Australia Zoo.
"We have a candy basket this year that is full of all different kinds of stuff," Lori said, adding that another item up for auction is a Regal Cinemas basket.
Although the raffling still takes place among Danko's friends and family, he said he is still working to make it a larger event.
"If we don't try to do something the planet is going to become poisoned," he said. "Animals are going to have nowhere to live and the environment is just going to keep getting worse."
Danko is also working to put together a small assembly at his school, Upper Moreland Intermediate, to remember Steve Irwin Day and, as a Joey Ambassador, that is part of his title.
"During the program each Joey Ambassador will reach out to local and international schools, engage local businesses and sign others to join the cause as Wildlife Warriors," a press release from the Australia Zoo said.
"He just has a way with animals, he's always been very good with them," Lori said. "He knows stuff about specific leaves and trees that I can't believe he knows."
It seems that Jacob has also recruited his younger sister, Callie, as a sidekick.
"Sometimes she repeats some of the things he says and I can't believe she remembers them," Lori added.
A regular at the Elmwood Zoo in Norristown, Jacob said he hopes to someday make it to the Australia Zoo.
"That would be one of my favorite places to go," he said. "I'd like to be an explorer and discover different species of animals. I think Hatboro is a good place to start but then I want to go everywhere."
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Jacinta on road to recovery after bushfire
News source: Courier Mail
11 November 2009
By Glenis Green
HER fur is singed into lumps, her nose is still raw and her paws are bandaged, but celebrity koala Jacinta is making an amazing recovery after suffering shocking burns in a Gold Coast bushfire almost a month ago.
Jacinta's suffering was flashed around Australia when she was rescued from a blaze which raced through Arundel on October 16.
The area destroyed by the fire, which was believed to have been started by a cigarette, was too dangerous for wildlife volunteers to enter until the following day.
They found Jacinta, believed to be seven, barely clinging to life.
Her nose and ears were swollen and blistered, her fur had melted and all four of her paws were badly burned.
She was rushed to the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast where she was treated.
While she is still groggy and has to be hand-fed her favourite gum leaves, the koala is now doing well, according to zoo manager Gail Gipp.
"It's been a bit of a battle, but now she's over the worst and she's starting to develop a bit of attitude, which is lovely," she said.
The hospital will mark the official first birthday of its new premises this Sunday, coinciding with the zoo's annual Steve Irwin Day.
The special day honours Crocodile Hunter Irwin, who died when he was fatally wounded by a stingray barb while diving off Port Douglas off the north Queensland coast three years ago.
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Boy is a boon to 4-legged pals
News source: The Intelligencer
8 November 2009
By Phil Gianficaro
Somewhere up there, in a golden paradise of mirror-still lakes and lazy willow trees where all creatures live in harmony, Steve Irwin, the renowned Crocodile Hunter, had to be flashing his unmistakable gap-toothed smile.
In May, 10-year-old Jacob Danko of Hatboro and his father were driving to a local park where they planned to hike trails. During the drive, the boy spotted what appeared to be an odd-looking rock at the side of the road and asked his dad to stop so he could get it.
When Jacob examined the rock, he discovered it was no rock. It was a badly injured box turtle. The small reptile was missing an eye and a hind leg had been amputated, presumably by a predator.
Hiking could wait. Jacob scooped up the turtle and held it in his lap as his dad drove them home. His mom used the Internet to contact a reptile expert for advice on how to help the animal. She was told to wash the wounds and keep them clean, and the expert said they should care for the turtle until next spring, when it should be healthy enough to be returned to the wild.
"I named him Lucky," Jacob said.
Well, Lucky is going to have to share his name with the rest of the animal kingdom. For this young boy has a genuine soft spot for the welfare of nature's critters and varmints.
"When I see an animal in trouble, I have to help it," Jacob said. "Isn't that what we're suppose to do?"
It's easy to see why Jacob Danko, an animal's best friend, was chosen as one of only 12 Joey Ambassadors in the world by the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors in their mission to raise awareness and funding for wildlife conservation for Steve Irwin Day on Nov. 15.
The AZWW was founded in 2002 by Terri Irwin and her husband, the iconic wildlife expert and conservationist from Australia who was killed by a stingray barb while filming an underwater scene in 2006.
Each Joey Ambassador is given a set of challenges, such as reaching out to schools and local businesses in an effort to raise awareness about the plight of wildlife in the world, as well as to assist the AZWW in raising $50,000 for wildlife conservation.
This will be Jacob's third year being involved with the wildlife warriors. When the selection panel reviewed the participants' effort and interest from previous years, his was among 12 that stood out. He was informed in August he'd been selected as an ambassador.
"Jacob was a big fan of Steve Irwin and used to watch him on TV all the time," said his mother, Lori. "And when Steve died, we went on his Web site and later learned about the Wildlife Warriors.
"But Jacob has been fascinated with bugs, worms and animals since he was a baby. He participates in creek, cleanup through the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust. And whenever we see a sign selling off farmland for office buildings, it really bothers him. Nature and conservation is something he's really passionate about."
Two years ago, Jacob raised money for Steve Irwin Day by collecting from family and friends. Last year, he expanded his fundraising to a raffle.
This year, he's taken it further, securing memberships to Elmwood Park Zoo, passes to a children's aquarium in New Jersey, movie passes and Keswick Theater tickets, a fishing rod and reel, gift certificates for dinner, and a Philedelphia Flyers autographed puck.
The other day at First Friday Hatboro, Jacob sold raffle tickets as well as wristbands with "Tiger 511" on them.
"The 511 means that for five dollars you can save one tiger for one day in the wild," Jacob said. "That's a good deal."
While the Danko family's two dogs, two fish, lizard and hermit crab remain at home today, Jacob, who plays snare drum in the Upper Moreland Intermediate School band, will be beating a big bass drum for wildlife conservation.
"It makes me happy to be entrusted with doing something to help animals," he said. "They're very important to all of us."
And lucky to call him their friend.
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Young warriors carry on legacy
News source: The Sunday Mail
8 November 2009
By Dot Whittington
MEET Queensland's Joey Ambassadors.
Seven-year-olds Isabel Dow, from Gailes in Ipswich, and Chloe Tsangaris, from Macgregor in the city's south, are beating a regular trail to Australia Zoo at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast, where they are at the frontline of fundraising and promotion for Steve Irwin's Wildlife Warriors conservation group.
The pair are among 11 Joey Ambassadors from around the world, who aim to get young people involved in wildlife conservation.
"Our Joey Ambassadors come from Australia, New Zealand, the US and Hong Kong, and are a very special group of hand-picked young people who have shown a real commitment to the cause," Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Murray Munro said.
"They epitomise the things that Steve Irwin was famous for and are the next generation to take us forward in conservation."
The girls have been taking on regular challenges such as sponsored camp-outs and Isabel last week had students from Goodna State School spelling out "crikey" on the school oval.
The culmination will be Steve Irwin Day, a major fundraising effort for the Wildlife Warriors, at Australia Zoo next Sunday.
The Joeys aim to raise $50,000.
To help Chloe Tsangaris and Isabel Dow, visit www.wildlifewarriors.org.au.
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Young warriors wild about spreading the word
News source: The Standard
4 November 2009
By Angela Cromie
TWO district children are helping take the message of wildlife conservation to the world.
Princetown siblings, Eve and Ted Johnson, have been appointed Joey Ambassadors for the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors initiative alongside 10 other school students from New Zeland, the US and Hong Kong.
The ambassadors will promote the cause in the lead-up to Steve Irwin Day on November 15, jumping into weekly challenges such as raising money and collecting books for Tanzanian school students.
The late Irwin and his wife Terri established the Wildlife Warriors initiative in 2002 to help protect animals such as tigers, whales and Tasmanian devils.
Eve, 10, and Ted, 6, were spreading the conservation message at the Warrnambool show on the weekend and will be at the Colac show this weekend where they aim to sign up 10 new Wildlife Warriors.
"I love helping the environment and my brother and I regularly collect rubbish from our local beach in Princetown," Eve said.
"Ted is also an awesome wildlife artist and loves drawing reptiles most of all. We have so much fun being Wildlife Warriors and doing all the things that help wildlife conservation."
Ted and Eve will host a Steve Irwin Day weekend at the Princetown Recreation Reserve on November 14 and 15, to raise money for the charity.
Wildlife Warriors for four years, Ted plans to be a wildlife vet when he grows up while Eve has set her sights on being a wildlife carer.
People interested in signing up as Wildlife Warriors can contact their mother Julia Johnson on 0427 985 176.
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Rush to protect habitat for koalas
News source: Northern Times
3 November 2009
KOALAS around Moreton Bay have been identified as among the most endangered in Queensland.
The Pine Rivers population and those in Redlands are at the centre of a $1.5million plan by the State Government to save the species.
Plans are being drawn up by the state to ban clearing of priority koala bushland and buy up key koala habitat.
Planning laws will be revised to ban dogs from new housing developments near koala habitats.
Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said the move will "put the brakes on development that clears vital koala habitat".
The Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah has recorded more than 1500 koala admissions from the Moreton Bay region in the past five years.
Surveys suggest the koala population in southeast Queensland has halved in two years and scientists from around Australia will meet next week to decide whether the koala is now a threatened species.
The Koala Action Pine Rivers group is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the risk to koala populations.
Secretary and education officer Vanda Grabowski said all the animals at the wildlife hospital had been injured by human-related activities.
Residents can take the Moreton Bay Regional Council community bus to visit the Australian Wildlife Hospital on November 21. Seats cost $40 a person and can be booked through Vanda Grabowski on 0407 101 837.
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Josh on mission to save koalas
News source: Sunshine Coast Daily
3 November 2009
JOSH Halverson is a man on a mission.
The Warana teenager wants to arrest Australia's declining koala numbers, and is wasting no time in doing something about it.
Between his studies at Mountain Creek High School, where he is completing a demanding international baccalaureate, and a part-time job, Josh also volunteers at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and is trying to arrange koala awareness talks for school students.
His dedication to the cause is even more admirable considering that he and his family only made their home in Australia earlier this year after several years hopping from the United States to the United Kingdom and back.
Josh said that the move to Australia was an opportunity for him to do something practical for wildlife.
"It started when I was really young. I've always loved animals and I've always been really interested in wildlife," he said.
"When we moved to Australia, I really started getting into koalas... they're slowly dying off. Very soon, there's going to be none left."
Josh is working with Vanda Grabowski, of Koala Action Pine Rivers, to hold information sessions at Coast schools. He said the future of the koala rested with future generations.
He said population growth in areas like the Sunshine Coast was the greatest threat to koala numbers.
"In Australia, growth happens around the coast and the areas that we develop to inhabit also happen to be the same territory that the koalas inhabit," he said.
To arrange a koala talk at your school or community group, email punk-rockbb@earthlink.net or mykoalas@bigpond.net.au.
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Koalas out on a limb
News source: The Courier-Mail
2 November 2009
By Brian Williams
SCIENTISTS expect the Federal Government will list koalas as vulnerable to extinction.
If listed under the tough Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, it will mean any land owner, developer, farmer, council or state or territory government proposing to clear habitat will have to show loss of vegetation is not harmful to one of Australia's most famous marsupials.
A meeting in two weeks by the Government's Threatened Species Scientific Committee is expected to be the first step in the process. Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett will consider the committee's recommendation next year.
Out-of-control population growth in southeast Queensland has allowed urban sprawl to reduce what was Australia's largest remaining koala colony between Brisbane and the Gold Coast from about 7000 animals a decade ago to possibly fewer than 2000.
More than 25,000 koalas have died from disease, car hits and dog attacks in southeast Queensland since 1998.
Australian Koala Foundation chief executive Deborah Tabart said yesterday she was optimistic the committee would recommend the listing.
The 1998 National Koala Conservatin Strategy has not prevented a crash in numbers and a review in June found it had not been properly implemented.
University of Queensland researcher and committee member Bill Ellis said scientists were cautiously optimistic about a listing, but it might be from the NSW-Victorian border north.
"Victorian koalas are not considered endangered but they cloud the issue up here where koala numbers are dwindling," Dr Ellis said. There also was a possibility the genetically distinct Koala Coast population might be individually listed.
A spokesperson for Mr Garrett said koalas were found to be not eligible for listing in 2006 but concerns about their decline since had prompted review.
Australia Zoo veterinarian Jon Hanger, who has written to Mr Garrett pleading for action, said there was no doubt koalas should be listed.
"We've seen a dramatic decline and localised extinctions are commonplace," Dr Hanger said. "If that doesn't warrant them being listed, I don't know what does."
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Iron turtle Raphael
News source: Sunday Mail
1 November 2009
By Dot Whittington
HE might have just got out of hospital a flipper short of the full turtle, but Raphael the loggerhead took to the water and clocked up more than 300km a week after his release.
A member of an endangered species, Raphael - named after the cartoon character in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - was found floating off Tangalooma in Moreton Bay in March.
The desperate male was entangled in a crab pot and rope, and could have been there for weeks, even a month, head of Australia Zoo's Rescue Unit, Brian Coulter said.
The rope had to be cut from his head and neck and he had severe injuries to his flipper.
The damage to his flipper was so bad it had to be amputated, but after three months' rehabilitation at the Australian Wildlife Hospital, Raphael was ready to go back to the deep blue.
Before he was released off Mooloolaba on June 11, a satellite tracker was attached to his shell, to determine how successful his rehabilitation had been and just how far a three flippered turtle could travel.
The results were staggering - he motored 120km in the first two days.
His latest movements downloaded last week put him near Peel Island, south of the tip of North Stradbroke Island.
"We blindfolded him and turned him around before putting him back in the water, but he swam right back home to his feeding range in southern Moreton Bay," Mr Coulter said.
Mr Coulter, who estimated Raphael to be about 50 years old, said the research project demonstrated that turtles that had undergone flipper amputation could survive when they were returned to the wild.
He is now eagerly watching to see if Raphael will head north later this month.
"Because he's a male, he could have hatched on the Great Barrier Reef so we will be watching to see if he shoots off to the northeast and his breeding ground later this month," Mr Coulter said.
"He's been moving about feeding off the banks around North Stradbroke but with breeding season coming, he will give us an idea of where he hatched."
The satellite tracking system is a joint initiative of the Department of Environment, tracking manufacturer Sirtrack, which donated $5000 cutting-edge technology and Australia Zoo's Rescue Unit, Wildlife Warriors and Wildlife Hospital.
Eight marine turtles have required amputations this year due to fishing equipment-related entanglement injuries.
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Khaki-clad kids save wildlife
News source: North Shore Times
29 October 2009
By Lucy Vickers
RAISING AWARENESS: Ben and Renee Haywood are following in the footsteps of Steve Irwin.
Ben and Renee Haywood reckon it's pretty special to be the only Kiwi kids to be Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Joey Ambassadors.
There are just 12 Joey Ambassadors in the world - from Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Hong Kong.
Long Bay Primary pupils Ben, 9, and Renee, 6, were selected because of their commitment raising money and spreading awareness on Steve Irwin Day last year.
They organised a campout at their place. Ben says they raised $800 and 130 people came.
The Joey Ambassadors' mission is to spread awareness and raise funds for wildlife conservation in the lead up to Steve Irwin Day on November 15.
Ambassadors are given challenges, which include approaching local businesses to display a donation box.
Another challenge is for each Joey Ambassador to collect 15 English books to send to a school in Tanzania.
Each Joey Ambassador has to engage with one international and one local school to host a Khaki Day to celebrate Steve Irwin Day.
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors appeals manager Murray Munro says the Joey Ambassadors "epitomise the things that Steve Irwin was famous for and are the next generation to take us forward in conservation".
Ben says being a Joey Ambassador is "really good. There are only 12 in the world so it makes you feel pretty special."
Renee says she counts herself lucky to be chosen. The siblings have special Joey Ambassador tags and have been assigned an animal mascot. Renee's is the emu and Ben's is the red-bellied black snake.
"To us, being Wildlife Warriors means that we need to protect animals and help conservation," says Ben.
"We need to help animals if they're sick and make sure they have a good environment to live in. To help animals we need to fundraise to keep up the good work. You have to be active to be a Wildlife Warrior so you have to be 'out there', which is what we are doing."
To donate, visit www.wildlifewarriors.org.au.
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Our koalas are viable, says expert
News source: The Noosa Journal
22 October 2009
By Liz Moore
A COAST wildlife expert has denounced claims that Noosa's koala population is genetically unviable.
Vet Jon Hanger, who has studied koalas for almost two decades, said we are now dealing with a metapopulation in rapid and ongoing decline and said the size of the gene pool "is the least of any koala population's problems".
Dr Hanger, who is a director of the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah, said the claims could not be substantiated without doing a population assessment for genetic diversity.
He questioned what relevance it would have anyway.
"Even if it is low so what?" he said. "Look at the Kangaroo Island population - low genetic diversity (derived from relatively few individuals), but flourishing to the point of over-abundance. Yes, genetic abnormalities are common, but the population itself is more than viable."
He said views about koala conservation had to change "now".
"The fact they are riddled with disease, subject to major threats to their lives, and isolated by development and infrastructure are far more significant impediments to population viability than lack of genetic diversity.
"Failure to actively assess and manage small isolated remnant populations, such as the Noosa National Park population, will only lead to further loss of individuals, ongoing decline of the regional population and diminishment of regional genetic diversity."
Dr Hanger said the fact the Noosa National Park population may have been introduced was not an issue.
"I think in the current context that whole issue is entirely irrelevant," he said. "Even if we had good historical records that proved koalas were not there before European settlement, so what? Maybe the Aborigines caused their expiration from that area. The argument has no relevance.
"Every koala is now important - even those living in populations that are 'unviable' without intervention. We should be intervening to make them viable."
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Armidale's wildlife warrior: Stephanie follows in footsteps of her hero
News source: The Armidale Express<{invalid_tag_id}>
21 October 2009
By Judy Walker
AUSTRALIANS stood shocked when they heard news of Steve Irwin's freak death when he was killed while swimming with stingrays.
But one Armidale girl decided she wouldn't let her hero's demise stop her from accomplishing both their dreams.
Local lass Stephanie Kirk became a wildlife warrior just like her Crocodile Hunter idol and now she has been chosen as an Australia Zoo Wildlife Warrior Joey Ambassador.
The 11-year-old is one of 12 ambassadors from across the world charged with a mission to spread awareness and raise funds for wildlife conservation in the lead up to Steve Irwin Day on November 15.
Stephanie said she has loved animals for as long as she can remember.
"My favourite animal is the eagle but I do love all animals and my favourite place is Australia Zoo," she said.
"I became a wildlife warrior when I was eight-years-old after my hero Steve Irwin passed away.
"Steve cared for our endangered and unique wildlife and I do as well."
The youngster was chosen as part of the program after years of hard work.
Stephanie had donated her pocket money to Australia Zoo for three years but she knew she could do more.
So she set out to follow in Steve's footsteps - she started regular contact with Australia Zoo staff including Wildlife Warriors appeals manager Murray Munro and she jumped aboard the fundraising bandwagon.
Stephanie raised about $750 in 2007, topped that in 2008 raising a startling $1800 and she is already at about $1500 this year with a lot of avenues yet to be explored.
"When I get older I want to be part of the Wildlife warrior team and carry on Steve's work," she said.
Stephanie is a frequent visitor to Australia Zoo and a familiar face to a lot of staff - even Terri Irwin herself.
During her trips Stephanie has toured the zoo extensively and was once introduced to the late Croc Hunter's wife.
"She was very nice," she said.
But the member of the family Stephanie really wants to meet is Bindi.
She said she is a big fan of the pint-size celebrity and loves watching her show.
The two Aussie girls have a lot in common - a comparison that hasn't escaped Stephanie.
She said they are both the same age but more importantly they both love animals and strive to be wildlife conservationists.
Australia Zoo's Murray Munro said the joey ambassadors are a special group of young people who have shown a real commitment to the cause.
"They epitomise the things that Steve Irwin was famous for and are the next generation to take us forward in conservation," he said.
To donate to Stephanie or other joey ambassadors visit www.wildlifewarriors.org.au or keep an eye out for Stephanie's collection boxes around town.
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Wildlife Warrior Isabel's green campaign
News source: South-West News
14 October 2009
By Christopher O'Leary
GAILES: Isabel Dow may well lay claim to being the most environmentally friendly seven-year-old in Brisbane.
The Gailes resident gives presentations about animals in her class every week, and last month scored a tour on the Sea Shepherd's ship, Steve Irwin.
She has even handed her resume to Australia Zoo's Terri Irwin, and her passion has already paid dividends.
Isabel is one of 10 people selected from across the globe as a Joey Ambassador for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors.
At the age of four, Isabel's passion was sparked after a trip to Australia Zoo.
She is now a regular visitor to the zoo and, as an ambassador, has been charged to raise money and spread awareness of wildlife conservation in the lead-up to Steve Irwin Day on November 15.
"I love animals because they are fantastic," Isabel said. "Without the wildlife everything else would die."
Mother Sharon Dow said Isabel had already raised $1000 for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors and wildlife conservation.
To donate to Isabel's campaign, visit http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au
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Youngster's animal instinct
News source: The Southern Star
07 October 2009
THE BIG NIGHT
What: Seven-piece band. Elvis impersonator; Women of Rock.
Tickets: $20. Bookings: Kylie, 0416 140 665
Donations to the cause: www.everydayhero.com.au/
joey_ambassadors_2009
A SIX-year old girl is organising a charity concert for 350 people to raise money for animal conservation.
Chloe Tsangaris is the inspiration behind the Wildlife Warriors Concert at Queensland Lions Football Club, Richlands, on October 24.
Already confirmed on the bill are Elvis impersonator Gabe Phoenix and Taylor Gibson, who will perform a tribute to the women of rock.
Chloe, of Macgregor, was last year named the Wildlife Warriors Worldwide's top fundraiser after collecting $3348 from sausage sizzles held at home and at sports carnivals. She has set the bar higher this year at $15,000 and is more than halfway to that goal.
Chloe's mum Kylie Tsangaris said her daughter's love of wildlife was sparked by animal books she read to her as a toddler.
"Chloe is wanting to help injured and endangered wildlife. She is very passionate about her reasons for wanting to help and we support her all the way," Ms Tsangaris said.
The evening will include a silent auction and raffles with prizes including a Queensland Roar signed game ball; signed Brisbane Lions jersey; signed Yamaha memorabilia; signed Australia Zoo shirt; a Tangalooma package; and a Queensland Raceway gold pass.
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Mighty Warrior
News source: The Satellite
5 October 2009
By Kylie Triggell
LIKE most six-year-olds, Chloe Tsangaris loves animals.
What sets her apart is Chloe is one of 10 children worldwide to be named a mini ambassador for non-profit charity Wildlife Warriors Worldwide.
Dedication to save Australia's wildlife at such a young age might seem unusual, but Chloe's mother, Kylie Tsangaris said Chloe's passion was all her own.
"She's always loved animals," Mrs Tsangaris said.
"We've read books to them both (Chloe and her brother) since they were teeny-weeny about wildlife."
Mrs Tsangaris said to help her children not be afraid of animals, they were encouraged to both touch and hold different animals to learn what they felt like and how they moved.
"We didn't want our kids growing up with any fear," she said.
"If they grow up learning, and knowing animals then they want to help them."
Which is exactly the case for Chloe, who named turtles, koalas and red kangaroos as some of her favourite animals.
Chloe said residents should be helping native wildlife because they were "getting killed".
"We have to save them so we can have more," she said.
A charity event organised by Chloe and her mother is being held at Richlands this month, with all proceeds going towards Wildlife Warriors Worldwide.
In addition to music and entertainment by Elvis impersonator, Gabe Phoenix, the night will also include a silent auction and raffles.
The charity event will be held at Queensland Lions on Saturday, October 24 from 8pm. Tickets will be $20 each. To book a table of 10, contact Kylie Tsangaris on 0416 140 665.
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Rallying call seeks action over koalas
News source: The Courier Mail
23 September
By Brian Williams
PROTESTERS hope they will get hundreds of people to join them on march through Brisbane on Friday in an attempt to get Premier Anna Bligh to stop koala habitat clearing in southeast Queensland.
Moreton Bay Koala Rescue president Anika Lehmann said 25,000 koala deaths had been recorded in the southeast over the past decade.
"This reflects poorly on our society's custodianship of this iconic species," Ms Lehmann said.
Australia Zoo veterinarian Jon Hanger said if the Government and councils did not stop approving habitat clearing, koalas were doomed.
"People ask me will they be extinct in two years, five or 10 years," he said. "I don't know but I suspect strongly the tipping point for extinction has already been exceeded in many places.
"If we don't intervene or protect those populations, they will go."
Dr Hanger said extinctions had already occurred in local populations in the Redlands, the Moreton Bay region on Brisbane's northside and the Gold Coast.
"Local koala populations are blinking out all over Queensland... and on top of that, disease prevalence (chlamydia) is much higher than the Government realises. A lot of females are infertile because of it."
Dr Hanger said koala numbers also had suffered greatly in rural areas in the 1990s when farmers panic-cleared ahead of vegetation protection laws.
"In the space of a few years up to 80 per cent of trees in some areas were cleared," he said. "They went nuts in the brigalow and mulga areas."
Rally organiser Anne Tocknell said she had received calls on Monday about koalas trying to escape bulldozers at development sites near Deception Bay and Mango Hill, to Brisbane's north.
Ms Tocknell said Ms Bligh's development and population growth push should be replaced with ecologically sustainable development and research into a cure for koala diseases.
She hoped people would rally as they did in 1995, when more than 5000 people protested against the Goss government's proposal to build a motorway through the Koala Coast, between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Ms Lehmann said: "The 1995 rally was extremely powerful.
"The motorway did not go ahead and the subsequent state election saw Mr Goss lose four seats in the Brisbane bayside area."
The rally and march will start from Brisbane Square, opposite the Treasury Casino, at noon.
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Koalas in the fight of their lives
News source: The Courier Mail
21 September
By Glenis Green
THE Australian Wildlife Hospital on the Sunshine Coast has launched a national campaign to combat a koala disease epidemic that ecologists say is just as devastating as the one decimating Tasmanian devils.
The hospital's director of research and ecological services, Dr Jon Hanger, said yesterday that while habitat loss and fragmentation were most implicated in koala population declines, disease was now forcing smaller populations into extinction.
"Research into diseases in wildlife is notoriously underfunded by the usual research funding bodies," he said.
Dr Hanger, a koala research pioneer and the first person to isolate and genetically sequence the deadly koala retrovirus infection 10 years ago, said Australia had the worst rate of mammalian extinction in the world and koalas were also heading that way.
"We cannot afford to sit on our hands and hope the koala population will survive these epidemics," he said. "Twenty-two million dollars has been committed by government to manage the contagious cancer affecting Tasmanian devils. The koala disease epidemic is just as devastating but we know little about it."
Dr Hanger said while chlamydiosis was the most recognised koala disease, there was also a high incidence of leukaemia, bone marrow failure, cancers and koala AIDS, all suspected to be connected with the koala retrovirus, detected in all koala populations tested to date.
The wildlife hospital, part of the Australia Zoo complex, is now calling for Koala Crusaders to make donations. To help go to www.wildlifewarriors.org.
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Volunteers pool their efforts for the devil
News source: The Examiner
14 September
By Matt Maloney
A RESEARCH hut to monitor progress on Bicheno's Devil Island was built start-to-finish by volunteers over the weekend.
It will house computer and specialist equipment used by Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment staff as they observe breeding outcomes of a Tasmanian devil insurance population in the free-range enclosure.
The multi-use building will be used as a veterinary examination room, for food storage and to download night footage from cameras installed around Devil Island. The hut was built by Lions Club Tasmania, which committed $150,000 worth of voluntary labour to the Devil Island Project, which is set to continue as more enclosures are erected.
The international face of the devils' plight, schoolboy "Nature" Nic Bonnitcha, was on side to hammer in a nail.
His Black and White Day concept had raised $3000 to fund building materials for the hut.
The hut was named in his honour.
"It's quite extraordinary to do all this in a day," Bonnitcha said.
"(Devil Island) is a great idea because we know we can save the devil with this.
Devil Island Project chairman Bruce Englefield said the weekend was a perfect example of sections of the Tasmanian community bonding for a cause.
He added the project's natural breeding program had worked according to expectations.
In Launceston, glass blowing, silent auctions, wine, cheese and raising money for the Devil Island Project were all reasons for more than 80 people to gather at Fee & Me restaurant.
Organiser Fiona Hoskin said she was pleased with the turnout, with all money raised going towards helping the Tasmanian Devil.
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Blake gives youth a good name
News source: Noosa Journal
9 September 2009
By Liz Moore
THERE are good kids, then there's Coran's Blake Dabron.
Blake picked up the Queensland Young Volunteer of the Year Award in the green category for his voluntary weekly work at the Australian Wildlife Hospital in Beerwah.
The 17-year-old high school student has been volunteering for more than a year, starting the day after he dropped an injured bird there and discovered the hospital needed volunteers.
"I was handed a rake and that was pretty much it," he says of his job, which includes cleaning koala and bird enclosures and paste-feeding koala patients.
"I didn't think I'd last long because of influences at school, including the perception that being a volunteer is not considered the cool thing to do."
Before getting his provisional driver's licence earlier this year, Blake would catch the train from Cooran to Beerwah (an hour's trip) before walking the next three kilometres from the Beerwah train station to the hospital, behind Australia Zoo.
Well done Blake, you're a role model to all, young and old.
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Green teen earns award
News source: Sunshine Coast Daily
4 September 2009
By Peter Gardiner
Last Thursday night, 17-year-old Blake Dabron, of Cooran, was presented with the Queensland green volunteer award in Brisbane.
On Saturday the all-round animal lover started in a paid position at Australia Zoo working as a mammals and koala keeper. Crikey, it does not get any better than that.
Some things seem destined - like the time as a teenager he walked into the Australian Wildlife Hospital with an injured bird, fell in love with what they were doing there at Beerwah and asked if he could help.
"I was back there the next day with a rake in my hand."
Before that, he had travelled around Australia as a young boy with his family, who were originally from the central New South Wales coast, and got to appreciate the incredible variety of wildlife. That fascination only grew when the family settled at Cooran with a collection that included horses, a pet bull, a dog and three birds.
Blake has known for some time he had been nominated by the animal hospital for his efforts and more recently that he had won. Last week Australia Zoo offered him a chance to make his living out of it.
"What 17-year-old could knock that back - there would be so many people who would love to be doing what I'm doing," he said.
Except there was one catch. When Australia Zoo asked which animals he'd like to work with, he was stumped.
"I couldn't tell them because I just love them all."
The hospital has been deeply impressed by his work helping rehabilitate birds and koalas in special quarantine, helping train other volunteers, preparing food, cleaning enclosure, general maintenance and problem solving.
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Thread 'bear' Adrian survives close encounter with a sewing machine
News source: Pine Rivers Press
2 September 2009
By Miranda Forster 
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD koala has provided a heartwarming tale of survival at a time when the future of Pine Rivers' koalas is increasingly under threat.
Nicknamed Adrian, the plucky fellow has survived a night in a factory tangled in sewing thread so tight it threatened to cut off his circulation.
The koala, suffering from severe conjunctivitis, wandered into the Cashmere workshop of UK Halsey Sailmakers last Tuesday - and was accidently locked in overnight.
He then stumbled into a metre-deep pit which houses industrial sewing machines.
Megan Aitken, of Moreton Bay Koala Rescue, said Adrian was found the next day and employees put a log into the pit for him to escape. But Adrian had become entangled in sewing thread.
"He nearly lost circulation because his right foot was so tightly bound," Mrs Aitken said.
Employees called Moreton Bay Koala Rescue, who freed him and dubbed him Adrian after a UK Halsey staff member.
As well as conjunctivitis Adrian was suffering from chlamydia. Both diseases are common in koalas.
He was taken to the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Australia Zoo, where general manager Gail Gipp said he was well on the way to recovery.
"He's moved outside out of intensive care and he's doing well," she said. "He'll be with us for about 60 days and then he'll go back for release."
Mrs Aitken said Pine Rivers residents would see more koalas for the remainder of the year because it was their breeding season.
She said anyone who saw koalas with conjunctivitis (red eyes) or signs of chlamydia (brown bottoms) should phone the rescue service on 1401 080 333.
While Adrian looks set to make a full recovery, other koalas at a proposed Narangba development are in danger, according to Moreton Bay Koala Rescue founder Anika Lehmann.
A rally to help the plight of South-East Queensland koalas will be held in Brisbane's CBD on September 25. Sign-in will be at 11am in Brisbane Square and the rally at noon.
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It's time to show you care
News source: The Noosa Journal
27 August 2009
By Liz Moore
TODAY The Noosa Journal calls on all readers and residents to join the fight to save our almost extinct koala population, by coming out in force for a rally in Brisbane on Friday, September 25.
Senior koala researcher, Beerwah-based Dr Jon Hanger puts it most succinctly: "There has never been a more important time in history to act if we are to save koalas into the future.
"We encourage residents, visitors and business people, particularly those reliant on the all-important tourist dollar, to show their concern."
The Noosa Journal is proud to support the peaceful protest as one of the most positive steps for Queensland koalas since the previous organised gathering in 1995, which contributed to the demise of the then state government.
This rally will give a voice to the 25,000 koalas that have been killed in South-East Queensland in the past 10 years. It will also speak for the surviving 4000 koalas, including a maximum estimate of just 15 in Noosa Heads, that experts agree will be extinct within three years if something is not done.
It is a chance for the Noosa community to show the current dire situation will not be tolerated and to put pressure on our paid representatives, at all levels of government, to produce, enact and enforce immediate solutions.
The Noosa Journal, which will provide T-shirts for Noosa attendees, encourages people from all walks of life to attend the rally.
You needn't be a conservationist to be concerned. You might just remember the last koala you saw in the Noosa wild, and recall the joy it brought you and those around you. You could simply be keen to preserve the paradise we are lucky enough to call home.
State Member for Noosa Glen Elmes who has rearranged his schedule to attend the rally, agrees.
"I think it's becoming a bigger and bigger issue - not just here, but in the rest of the state as well," he told us.
"If we, as a society, can't save such an iconic species as the koala, we've got no chance of saving anything else.
"This rally is going to make the government sit up and take notice. It will raise awareness of the powerlines proposed to run through prime koala habitat in Eerwah Vale and Eumundi, and the clearing that's happening right now in Peregian."
The rally will take place in Brisbane Square, opposite the casino, on Friday, September 25. Sign-in will take place at 11am and the rally will start at noon. To register for the rally or for more information, email saveourkoalas@gmail.com and mention you are from Noosa.
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Dining fundraiser for Wildlife Warriors
News source: Hinterland Times
August 2009
THE CLIMAX to the Festival of the Walks is a special closing dinner on Sunday 13 September. Mountain View at Maleny will host a night of good food and company for a good cause, the local Wildlife Warriors.
Murray Munro from Wildlife Warriors will open the evening and share some valuable tips about how we can all walk hand in hand with native wildlife and make a difference in our own backyard.
Proceeds from the closing dinner of the festival will go towards the Wildlife Warriors and support for the busy Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah. The hospital started in 2004 and is in memory of pioneer wildlife carer Lyn Irwin (Steve's mother). Each year it provides free veterinary care for over 6000 native animals that have been critically injured primarily by motor vehicles, domestic pet attacks or through land clearing.
This dinner offers a chance for local residents and visitors to mingle and learn more about conservation and our native wildlife.
Tickets cost $45 per head and include a three course meal, welcome drink and contribution to Wildlife Warriors. The evening starts at 6pm.
Phone 'On Mountain View' to pre-purchase your ticket for this great event on 5494 2825.
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Wildlife warrior's dream becomes reality<{invalid_tag_id}>
News source: The Owner Builder Magazine
August / September 2009
By Lynda Wilson
'Wildlife, habitat and people all depend on each other - a healthy environment requires an investment in humanity and the support of a caring global community. This is what nature intended.' Steve Irwin's principles are evident in the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide Australian Wildlife Hospital (AWH) in Beerwah Qld, inspired by the memory of Lyn Irwin (Steve's mum).
AWH began operating in March 2004 - working from a converted avocado packing shed, the ultimate example of recycling. There were only three staff members - vet Jon Hanger, manager and vet nurse Gail Gipp, and vet nurse Vicky Carlsson. Until quite recently, Gail used to sleep on site to care for critical patients, a role that has now been taken over by night nurses.
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Noosa koala in one-way hospital trip
News source: The Noosa Journal
23 July 2009
By Liz Moore
ANOTHER koala has died in Noosa Heads.
Local resident Rhonda Quinn rescued the four-year-old male koala from the bottom of a tree near Halse Lodge before delivering him to the Australian Wildlife Hospital in Beerwah, where he died on the operating table. It is the 10th koala of 14 Rhonda has rescued from Noosa Heads that has died in the past four years.
"The post mortem showed his small intestine had shut down so either he'd been hit by a car or attacked by a dog before he was spotted at the bottom of the tree, emaciated, stressed and very ill," Rhonda, a Noosa Koala Squad member said. "It is really unfortunate as a four-year-old male is so important in terms of breeding."
Rhonda said the koala, who she named Jackson (after the late singer, Michael), had chlamydia and cystitis - diseases induced by stress such as that caused by habitat loss.
Rhonda, who is also a tour guide at the Australian Wildlife Hospital, said it was not uncommon to find starving koalas in Noosa Heads.
"So much of their habitat has been cleared in recent years," she said. "In my experience, these koalas are on a one-way trip to hospital. It really does feel like a ride of death."
Rhonda is uncertain what will become of Noosa's koalas and whether they have any future in the town. "They're as much a part of Noosa's fabric as we are yet we are going to be the generation responsible for wiping them out," she said.
Rhonda said anyone who sees a potentially sick or injured koala or animal should take action.
- Phone the 24-hour Australian Wildlife Hospital emergency hotline number: 1300 369 652.
- Stay with the animal, or find somebody else who can, until rescuers arrive.
- Sign of chlamydia - a dirty, yellow-stained bottom. Sign of cystitis - sore eyes.
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Wildlife fan sets goal
News source: Southern Star
15 July 2009
YOUNG conservationist Chloe Tsangaris is continuing her fight for animal preservation with a Wildlife Warriors Worldwide fund-raiser to be held at Westfield Garden City.
The six-year-old Macgregor resident was last year named the charity's number one fund-raiser after raising $3348 at sausage sizzles at home and sports carnivals.
Chloe has set the bar higher this time, hoping to raise $15,000 in 2009.
To help achieve her goal, she has organised a fund-raiser day on July 25 at Gloria Jean's Coffee at Westfield Garden City.
Owner of the local coffee haunt, Reuben Brennan, said 50 cents would be donated to the charity from every drink sold that day.
Chloe's mum Kylie Tsangaris said her daughter's love of wildlife was sparked by animal books she read to her as a toddler.
"We'd visit the zoo and she would be like a sponge. She'd tell us things about animals we didn't even know," Mrs Tsangaris said.
"We're hoping the fundraising will be an opportunity for Chloe to share her passion for wildlife."
Sponsor Chloe online by visiting www.everydayhero.com.au and search for Chloe Tsangaris.
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Just for Kids
News source: New Idea
11 July 2009
By Andrea Black
Alongside the late Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo is Australia's busiest wildlife treatment facility and leading koala hospital. Visitors can enjoy guided tours daily, to get up close to wildlife and see what a great job is done here. Visit www.wildlifewarriors.org.au/wildlife.hospital.
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Hero to our fauna
News source: Wyndham Leader
07 July 2009
By Amy Green
WHILE other girls her age are more interested in watching Hannah Montana and High School Musical, 13-year-old Wildlife Warrior Suzie Magann is dedicated to saving Australia's wildlife.
The Hoopers Crossing girl has been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal for her work for Wildlife Warriors and will be camping out November 14-17 for Steve Irwin Day, aiming to raise $5000 for wildlife and conservation.
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors was set up by Steve and Terri Irwin in 2002, as a way to allow people such as Suzie who are passionate about wildlife to get involved and support the protection and conservation of wildlife in Australia.
Suzie has set up a personal fundraising page on website Everyday Hero, where she has posted a description of why she is raising money and where the money will go.
She is passionate about Wildlife Warriors work towards tiger conservation in Sumatra and the Australian Wildlife Hospital in Beerwah, Queensland, where she spent 13 days learning about Australian wildlife and what happens to the animals at the hospital.
"It can be very sad but on the other hand it was very rewarding seeing the animals they were able to save," Suzie said.
The money she raises will go towards the Australia Zoo Australian Wildlife Hospital.
"They really need funds for so many things. Las year I raised $2723, and this year my goal is $5000."
Suzie's fundraising total at present stands at $941.64.
She hopes to hit the $5000 mark before she camps out in November.
You can donate to Suzie's fundraising efforts by following the links at everydayhero.com.au/wlwarriorsuzieSID09.
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Sad facts on these visitors
News source: The Noosa Journal
02 July 2009
By Liz Moore 
SOME of you will remember these delightful characters whose photograph was sent in by a nature-loving Doonan resident and was featured in The Noosa Journal a few weeks ago.
Well, there's more to these cockies than meets the untrained eye.
Thanks to the concern of a few other caring readers who contacted us about the birds, I got in touch with Coolum vet and avian expert Stacey Gelis, who devides his work between a local practice and the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah.
He informed me that both sulphur-crested cockatoos looked to be in the advanced stages of beak and feather disease. Explaining that the devastating disease is prevalent in parrots and lorikeets as well, he said it attacks a bird's immune system and causes a gradual loss of feathers and beak abnormalities until the bird is unable to feed and dies of starvation or other diseases.
He advises that while there is no cure for the disease, you can take measures to prevent its spread, such as capturing suffering birds and taking them to the local vet or the Australian Wildlife Hospital, as well as not using feeder boxes or bird carriers that can carry viral particles for months if not removed or destroyed.
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Busy doing nothing while our koalas die
News source: The Noosa Journal
25 June 2009
By Liz Moore
I WAS going to write a follow-up news story on the state of Noosa's koala population and what is being done to protect it since local experts claimed in The Noosa Journal that the few marsupials left in Noosa are headed for extinction in a matter of years.
But I can't. There's no news to report because nothing has been done. I'm told there was a report written after the roundtable discussion between council and local experts, but that report was never delivered to council.
The local authority now says it's out of their hands, yet Anna Bligh refuses to take any real responsibility for it either. She and her environment minister, whose name escapes me because it's so rarely heard, have implemented another koala plan to add to the one they introduced in 2006.
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Chloe keeps cause alive
News source: Southern Star
24 June 2009
MacGregor's wildlife warrior Chloe Tsangaris is helping continue the conservation work of the late Steve Irwin.
Chloe, 6, last month handed a cheque for $4092 to Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, the charity Irwin started to preserve threatened species and habitats.
The money was donated by meditation teacher and philanthropist Supreme Master Ching Hai who owns a vegetarian restaurant chain and a cable television channel in Los Angeles.
Last year, Chloe was named the charity's number one fundraiser after raising $3348 at sausage sizzles at home and sports carnivals.
She hopes to add to her tally with more events she helped organise.
Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinemas at Westfield Garden City will hold three charity screenings of Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaur on July 5. Tickets are $10.
Visit www.everydayhero.com.au and search for Chloe Tsangaris or phone 0416 140 665.
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Wildlife Warriors
News source: Mindfood magazine
June 2009
THE Australian Wildlife Hospital 
opened in March 2004, operating from the modest confines of a small converted avocado-packing shed next to Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland.
Until recently, the team of 20 staff (veterinary, nursing and administration) and a host of volunteers were accustomed to working in very close quarters, with every square metre of available space having a function.
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Death knell for our koalas
News source: Pine Rivers Press
23 June 2009
By Bernie Dowling
DEVELOPERS will have "blood of all native wildlife on their hands" if they build on a koala habitat at Mango Hill.
That was the stark warning from Wanda Grabowski, secretary of Koala Action Pine Rivers, to approval being given for 127 new units on Freshwater Creek Rd.
"There have been numerous sightings of koalas on that site as well as native birds and reptiles," Ms Grabowski said last week when the Pine Rivers Press informed her of council's decision to approve the development by developer Dennis MacKenzie.
"It is primary koala habitat and part of a koala corridor. I think these developers have the blood of all native wildlife on their hands."
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Koala AIDS
News source: ABC Coast FM
23 June 2009
By Robert Blackmore
AT the Australian Wildlife Hospital, you never know what to expect through the door.
Open 24 hours a day, treating sick and injured animals can be as interesting as it is stressful. But for Dr Jon Hanger, it's the koala that is of the most interest.
Dr Hanger is worried that without a massive change to the approach of one of our national icons, the species in the south-east corner and northern New South Wales could face extinction.
Go to audio visual presentation
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Warrior princess
News source: The Courier-Mail
22 June 2009
By Rodney Chester
SIX-year-old Chloe Tsangaris is well on the way to retaining the title of world's biggest fundraiser for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors.
Last year the MacGregor State School student, who was then still in prep, raised $3348, making her the biggest individual fundraiser for the worldwide charity conservation fund.
This year, with the help of family and friends, Chloe expects to raise more than $15,000.
Not that the little campaigner is precious about her No.1 title.
"It doesn't matter if I don't win this time," she said. "I'm letting somebody else have a go. It's not fair if I have a go every single time."
Chloe, who was personally thanked last year by Australia Zoo's Bindi and Bob Irwin, explains why she is so keen on looking after wildlife.
Continued P2...
"When I was little," said Chloe, "my mum used to read me wildlife books.
"I said to my mum, `We have to help them today so we can have them every other day and when I have kids, they get to feel and touch and see them, not just see them in a book'."
Like last year, Chloe will host lots of sausage sizzles. But this year, with the help of mum Kylie, she has also organised three screenings of the movie
Ice Age 3 on July 5, and a charity motorbike ride from Rocklea to Glamorgan Vale on July 11 in which Chloe will lead the pack from the safety of a special three-wheeler.
The ride is set to become an annual event and Chloe's parents are working on setting up other charity rides along Victoria's Great Ocean Road and in north Queensland.
The Year 1 pupil will also speak at an evening of entertainment the family is organising for 350 ticketholders in October.
Chloe is quick to give credit to all those she has helped inspire.
"It's not just me and my family doing it, it's lots and lots of people," she said.
"I don't get tired about it, but if I did get tired I would tell mum to stop it for maybe a month and then we'll start back again."
People wanting to help Chloe's fundraising efforts can contact her mother, Kylie, on 0416 140 665.
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Rafael back at sea, but his rescuers have
found a way to keep in touch
News source: Sunshine Coast Sunday
14 June 2009
A LOGGERHEAD turtle left with only three flippers - after becoming entangled in a crab-pot line off the Sunshine Coast - has been released back into the wild after lifesaving treatment at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.
But while the turtle - christened Rafael after the character from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon show - may have disappeared into the ocean after a goodbye wave from Bindi Irwin, he won't be disappearing all together from the lives of his rescuers.
A new satellite tracking system attached to him before his release will enable his movements to be monitored and the success of his rehabilitation to be gauged.
Rafael was rescued by Moreton Bay Marine Park staff and the Tangalooma Conservation team after he was spotted floating with a crab-pot line tangled around his neck and flippers.
The Australia Zoo Rescue Unit took him to the Australian Wildlife Hospital, where Dr Peter McKinney amputated the injured flipper and treated wounds around his neck.
Australia Zoo Rescue Unit head Brian Coulter said the satellite system was important in tracking Rafael's progress.
"Rafael was the fourth sea turtle this year to have his flipper amputated due to fishing gear-related entanglement, so we really need to track his movements to learn how successful his rehabilitation is," he said.
The $5000 tracking system was donated by satellite technology manufacturer Sirtrack, which designs and manufactures tracking equipment for researchers, conservationists and wildlife managers worldwide.
"Australia Zoo has tracked crocodiles using this technology but this is the first time we will be using the device to track a rehabilitated sea turtle," Mr Coulter said. "It is very important for the ongoing conservation of turtles."
Researchers from the University of Queensland will collate the data from the satellite system and plot Rafael's movements across the ocean.
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Harley tribute to wildlife warrior at home
in Ayr
News source: Townsville Bulletin
10 June 2009
By Rachel Toune
The memory of wildlife warrior Steve Irwin will live on in the hands of one Ayr couple.
The two local wildlife carers were the highest bidders on a special Harley-Davidson that has been designed as a tribute to Steve Irwin.
Ulrike Roberts and fiancee Terry Hay have received their prized posession recently after a winning eBay bid of $17,500.
The Harley has been airbrushed with unique artwork and shows Irwin's silhouette surrounded by wildlife.
Ms Roberts said her husband could hardly sleep in anticipation for the bike's delivery.
"Terry in particular has been a fan of Steve Irwin for a long time," Ms Roberts said.
"The artwork combined with being a Harley-Davidson made it an easy choice in deciding (we wanted) to own it."
Mr Hay said it was every man's dream to own a Harley and this one was particularly special for him.
"It's a beautiful bike, the photos don't do it justice," he said.
"We want to keep it perfect, it's one of a kind, so it's got its own bedroom under lock and key in the house."
The pair hope to display the motorbike at the Ayr Show from June 24, along with other charity events, to help raise funds and awareness for wildlife in need.
Their entire winning bid will go to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Charity, with all the money going to support the work of the Australian Wildlife Hospital.
Ms Roberts and Mr Hay share a love for all animals and Steve Irwin, which led them to fall in love with the Harley, which is decorated with animals including a crocodile, dolphin and a cobra.
"That's our contribution, we look after wildlife, lending a helping hand to defenceless animals," Ms Roberts said.
The bike was donated by Sunshine Coast Harley-Davidson.
For more information on the Wildlife Warriors, visit www.wildlifewarriors.org.au or call 1800 334 350.
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Ayr home for special ‘Hog’
News source: North Queensland Register
4 June 2009
By Ashley Walmsley
A HARLEY-DAVIDSON designed as a tribute to the original Wildlife Warrior, Steve Irwin, has found a new owner in Ayr.
Wildlife carers Ulrike Roberts and her fiancé Terry Hay were the highest bidders in an eBay auction and will receive the Harley within a week.
“Terry hasn’t slept for two weeks waiting for his new ‘family’ member,” said Ulrike, referring to their anticipation over the wait of their special delivery.
“We were very excited and are still in shock.”
The Harley, donated by Sunshine Coast Harley-Davidson, is a unique tribute to Steve Irwin and shows Steve’s silhouette air-brushed on the bike, surrounded by the wildlife he cared so deeply about.
“Terry, in particular, has been a fan of Steve Irwin for a long time, and the artwork, combined with being a Harley-Davidson, made it an easy choice in deciding we wanted to own the bike,” Ulrike said.
The bid of $17,500 will go to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors charity and assist in carrying on Steve’s legacy of wildlife conservation.
Both Terry and Ulrike are wildlife carers and they say their love of wildlife and caring for them is one of the reasons why they wanted to own the Harley.
“Terry has been a wildlife carer for 10 years now. He has always had a love of native animals, especially snakes, hawks and goannas,” Ulrike said.
“That’s our contribution; we look after wildlife, lending a helping hand to defenceless animals.
“Everybody should do their part towards conservation. Being carers, our children also share our love of helping wildlife and we hope they will continue helping animals as they grow up and be parents themselves.”
As for the motorbike, Terry and Ulrike plan to display it at the Ayr Show in June to help raise funds for and awareness of wildlife in need, in the hope that others will be inspired to save the diminishing populations of Australian wildlife.
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Trekking in Tiger Land
News source: Sunshine Coast Daily
9 May 2009
By Nicholas Falconer
Nicholas Falconer visits Indonesia's Kerinci Seblat National Park, where he almost catches up with a tiger by its trail.
OUR patrol leader Johan saw them first and quietly motioned me forward.
"Mr Nick, come," he said.
Clambering past the other patrol members, I made my way to the front where Johan was now crouched down.
"Tiger," he whispered, pointing at the muddy ground.
My heart skipped a beat as I looked at the pug marks of one of nature's top predators squished into the muddy trail.
Johan, still analysing the tracks, was taking photographs to record the discovery and size of our sighting.
"Fresh, maybe 2 hours ago ...," he estimated.
He stood and rotated 360 degrees, looking past the dense green and brown foliage surrounding us.
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"Bonny" outlook for injured koala
News source: The Toowoomba Chronicle
7 May 2009
By Louise O'Keefe
A KOALA hit by a car near Dalby last year has made a full recovery and will soon be released back into the wild.
The male koala named Bonny's Boy was hit on the Warrego Highway near Dalby on September 20 and was admitted to the Australian Wildlife Hospital at the Sunshine Coast.
Hospital spokeswoman Carolyn Beaton said Bonny's Boy suffered a broken arm and an eye injury.
"Doctors placed four external fixation pins on the humerus (arm) bone," Ms Beaton said.
On December 2 the pins were removed, however, on the 13th he re-broke the fracture.
"During the second round of surgery, an interlocking nail was placed on the humerus bone which will remain permanently."
On February 24 this year, Bonny's Boy walked properly for the first time since his accident.
"He will go to a pre-release enclosure, located at our conservation property at Blackbutt, to de-humanise and live like a normal koala once again," Ms Beaton said.
Bonny's Boy left the hospital late April and will remain at Blackbutt for about four weeks before being released back to the wild near Dalby.
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Caring saves a turtle in strife
News source: The Gladstone Observer
5 May 2009
By Amy Glass
A TURTLE with a bad case of gas has been released back into the wild after surgery to fix her tummy troubles.
The female turtle, nicknamed "Missy", was found in the Gladstone Harbour on March 28 by a member of the public who noticed she wasn't diving like other turtles.
Maree Schofield, of the Gladstone and District Wildlife Carers Association, told The Observer yesterday that after noticing her problem, the unknown person retrieved Missy and took her to a wildlife carer.
The troubled turtle was collected from the carer by Queensland Parks and Wildlife staff for assessment, and an examination indicated that while Missy was in good health, she was unable to submerge.
Truck driver, and GDWCA member, Jim Goldsmith, then transported Missy down to the Australian Wildlife Hospital near Beerwah, where veterinary surgeons operated on Missy to remove the intestinal gas that was preventing her from submerging.
After a successful recovery, Mr Goldsmith returned Missy back to familiar waters, releasing her at the mouth of the Boyne River on April 28.
Mrs Schofield said Mr Goldsmith regularly plays a huge part as a member of the GDWCA.
"Not only does he transport sick and injured wildlife to the Australian Wildlife Hospital for the specialised care they require, but he then brings them back to where they belong for release," she said.
Mrs Schofield urged any members of the public who came across injured animals, including dugongs, marine turtles, whales or dolphins to contact the Department of Environment and Resource Management.
"If this does happen to you, please don't just sit and wonder what to do," she said.
The hotline for the Department of Environment and Resource Management in 1300 130 372.
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Hero vets making a difference
News source: Nine News - Queensland (TV)
20 April 2009
Presented by Melissa Downes
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Wild ward
News source: QWeekend - The Courier Mail
11-12 April 2009
By Amanda Watt
NO injury too great, no creature too small - and no health cover required. At this high-tech hospital every animal that can be saved will be, regardless of the cost.
Freddo the green tree frog has got himself into a spot of bother. What must have started out as a small bump under his right eye has grown into a bulging mass that distorts his tiny face. The sight of it became so hideous, the owner of the gazebo Freddo called home plucked him from the rafters, rushing him to the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Vet nurse Vicky Carlsson now has her hands wrapped around the amphibian's wriggling torso as veterinarian Dr Stacey Gelis prises open his mouth. A large syringe is forced between his lips, honing in on the rouble spot from underneath. Freddo blinks and attempts to squirm free but Carlsson has a firm grip. She strokes his head with her thumb. "Right mate?" He blinks up at her. She nods with a Doolittle-like understanding. "I know ... you're so brave."
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Losing battle
News source: Sunshine Coast Daily
28 March 2009
By Nikkii Joyce
SICK animals can take your breath away but Nikkii Joyce discovered there was little time for reflection as there was always another patient at the Australian Wildlife Hospital.
Ever walked into a room and felt like all eyes were on you?
It must be said in this personal moment there's no handsome stranger here, or sweeping ball gown and dripping jewels.
Just several critically ill snakes, tawny frog-mouths, wallabies, turtles and koalas. So many koalas.
The moment these bruised and battered national symbols lift their heads to meet my gaze actually takes away my breath for a few short seconds.
But there is little time for reflection as there is always another patient at the Australian Wildlife Hospital.
That realisation struck as a nurse strolls past with a two-metre python tucked under her arm in a way much similar to the relationship I share with my washing basket.
This week marked five years since the Australian Wildlife Hospital opened in a converted avocado packing shed adjacent to Australia Zoo. It's been four months since the 32 staff members and their feathered, scaled or furry charges made the move into the $5 million state-of-the-art hospital.
It is now open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
The halls and extending rooms, medications and medical equipment are strikingly similar to those in our own facilities.
There's even the token "paw" holding for a red neck wallaby on the operating table during our visit.
Despite the birthday milestone, recent events have taken a toll on the hospital.
The Pacific Adventurer oil spill and the recent election weighed heavily on the minds of hospital staff such as senior veterinarian and director of research and ecological services, Dr Jon Hanger.
Ï have enough resilience to know that we are losing the battle," Dr Hanger said in terms of getting the environmental conservation message into the ears of politicians.
"But you never stop fighting and you do whatever you can to relieve the suffering."
Dr Hanger has been with the hospital from the start and watched initial expectations of possibly 300 patients in their first year prove to be one-sixth short of the mark.
In the last year, 5000 animals of all ages from the bush and the ocean have been cared for, 25% of which have actually survived.
There's been some significant trials, not least of which was losing Steve Irwin, the man behind the hospital vision.
"The greatest low would have to have been the loss of our great leader, whose memory and legacy lives on," Dr Hanger said.
"But then there's other moments, like a badly bashed up koala named Steve (after the bus driver who saved him), who suffered multiple jaw and pelvic injuries.
"After three to four weeks in ICU, we were able to take him outside and when you saw him lift his head, when he got a sniff of the fresh air ... it was pretty amazing," said the world weary environmental campaigner, his face offering a rare smile.
Other memories for Dr Hanger include using a human spinal needle as a pin to support the broken leg of green tree frog "Doorjam"in 2004.
Then the hospital's most unexpected patient, Pengy the penguin, got swept up the Sunshine Coast line in 2007 due to storms originating in the southern states.
Every day at the Hospital brings in another story, as veterinary nurse Vicky Carlsson explains while feeding seven juvenile dunnarts.
"They were brought in from the Mount Isa area and their nest was on an air-strip, but they could not locate their mother," Ms Carlsson said.
"After three days without their mum, they had to take them in and they brought them to us."
Ms Carlsson has also worked at the hospital for five years.
"I love it, every day is different. You have some that are better than others, where you are giving some a second chance," she said.
"For the others it's about relieving their suffering and that's something positive as well."
The Australian Wildlife Hospital is now Australia's busiest wildlife treatment facility, the country's leading koala hospital (treating 662 koalas in 2008 alone), and the largest wildlife hospital in the world.
An initial pledge from Irwin to underwrite the wildlife hospital's operating costs is being honoured by Australia Zoo and the cost now exceeds $2 million annually.
There are currently 60 resident patients, with a possibility of receiving around 15 new patients on the day.
All patients are treated on a "no fee" basis.
Plans for the future continue with ambitions for a sea turtle facility, an avian facility to rehabilitate sea birds, a free range area for the many koalas nearing the end of their rehabilitation.
Research is also a significant priority and in September 2008 the wildlife hospital established a koala disease research fund to further investigate koala chlamydiosis and the koala retrovirus, both of which are insidious diseases that are threatening the long-term survival of the species.
Unfortunately, it's clear the visitor numbers to Australia Zoo don't carry over to the hospital, and so very few people can see for themselves the need for political leaders to step up in areas of land clearing debate and animal disease research.
So little of which, Dr Hanger, laments was missing from the recent state election.
"The tipping point for many has come and passed," Dr Hanger said. "Many people ask me if it's sad to say goodbye to these animals that you have brought back to life and I say "no, not at all".
The public are welcome to visit the facility and meet every individual patient, whose name and injury is put on the end of their bed just like any other hospital.
Small donations such as $10 can pay towards food supplements while $20 can pay for one koala's bandages and ointment.
Entry prices are $50 for adults and $35 for children and $150 for a family of four. For more information visit www.wildlifewarriors.org.au.
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Wildlife hospital features in prize-winning
photos
News source: The Courier-Mail
18 March 2009
TWO Australian photographers have picked up prizes in a major international competition.
Photojournalist Lisa Maree Williams won the natural history category of the Sony World Photography Awards for a series of photographs she took of the Australian Wildlife Hospital founded by the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin.
Amateur photographer Claire Martin won the portraiture category.
William's pictures, titled Wildlife Warriors, captured the behind-the-scenes action at Irwin's wildlife hospital at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, which re-opened last November after extensive renovations.
The hospital, which originally began in an old avocado packing shed, now has state-of the-art veterinary facilities and can treat up to 10,000 animals a year.
Williams, who is based in Sydney, began her career in 1998 at the Sunshine Coast Daily newspaper and has had her work published in major newspapers and magazines around the world.
She was among 186 photographers shortlisted for the awards, with 44 walking away winners.
"It was an eye-opener to see entries from all over the globe, of every standard from the most amateur of approaches to the sophisticated and experienced professional," judging panel member Zelda Cheatle said.
Williams will now compete against 11 others who won prizes in the professional categories in a run-off to be named Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year. The overall winner will be announced at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, on April 16.
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Lisa's warriors picture perfect
News source: The Sunshine Coast Daily
18 March 2009
FORMER Sunshine Coast Daily photographer Lisa Maree Williams has won the natural history category of the Sony World Photography Awards announced in London.
Ms Williams was recognised for a series of photographs she took of the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah.
The pictures, titled Wildlife Warriors, captured the behind-the-scenes action at the wildlife hospital which re-opened last November after extensive renovations.
The hospital, which originally began in an old avocado packing shed, now has state-of-the-art veterinary facilities and can treat up to 10,000 animals a year.
Ms Williams, based in Sydney, began her career in 1998 at the Sunshine Coast Daily and has had her work published in major newspapers and magazines around the world.
Ms Williams will now compete against 11 others who won prizes in the professional categories to be named Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year.
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Wildlife will wear the biggest bill from tide
of devastation
News source: The Courier-Mail
16 March 2009
By Glenis Green
IT'S a delicate job - painstakingly wiping deadly oil from the tiny claws of ghost crabs right up to the scaly skin of a venomous sea snake and the rugged shell of a green sea turtle.
Volunteers and wildlife carers have all combined to save creatures great and small from the toxic oil spill.
Fears are rising that the pollution will have a greater impact on marine and foreshore animals than initially thought.
Environment Protection Agency senior director Clive Cook said so far only about 30 birds and other wildlife had been impacted. Pelicans are bearing the brunt with 17 being cleaned by wildlife officers.
Mr Cook warned the ramifications of the oil spill on the ecosystem could drag on for more than a year.
"The more oil we can get out of the system the better it is, but obviously it does have a flow-on effect - if animals start to ingest oil, other animals eat those animals," he said.
The first casualty received by the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah was a sea snake rescued from Marcoola Beach.
"It's very messy stuff and the best thing to use to get it off (animals) is actually dishwashing liquid," hospital spokeswoman Carolyn Beaton said.
At Underwater World at Mooloolaba general manager Julie Cullen said special attention was being reserved for turtle nests which were in the middle of hatching. "People monitoring the nests along the coast are ensuring they are being caged so that they collect the baby turtles and bring them in here ... so they are not going out into the big seas and then swimming through the oil slick," she said.
The turtle hatchlings would be held until the waters had cleared and they could be released safely back into the wild.
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"I can't see how any animal could survive"
News source: The Sunshine Coast Daily
14 March 2009
By Nikkii Joyce
"BLACK" Friday revealed the horror of the Sunshine Coast's worst ecological disaster with the arrival of a seriously ill olive-headed snake cally Beechy yesterday.
The sea snake, smothered in oil, was pulled from Warana Beach by a Wildlife Warriors volunteer.
Australian Wildlife Hospital veterinary staff said that, despite a successful cleaning, it was unclear whether Beechy would survive.
Heartbroken animal rescuers struggled for words as they trekked across Wurtulla and a 10 km stretch of beach between Twin Waters and Marcoola after reports of distressed turtles, and a ring-tail possum covered in black sludge at Alexandra Headland.
"It's overwhelming. I can't see how any animal caught in this can survive," Underwater World rescue unit general manager Julie Cullen said.
"We're walking on beaches and I'm up to my ankles in it.
"It's sticking to my boots. It's sticking to everything. It is just horrifying."
Ms Cullen and colleague Emily Thomas went to the beach in search of two turtles reported to be covered in sludge.
The pair was unable to find the turtles but located several sizeable crabs blocked from digging into their holes by large globules of the black substance.
Ms Cullen said there were fears for record numbers of turtles this hatching season, with at least five nests under threat on the Wurtulla Beach section alone.
"I don't think anyone was prepared for this kind of disaster," she said.
Ms Thomas said: "In 17 years I haven't seen anything like it."
The country's native land animals have also succumbed to the oil slick's effects, with the Australia Zoo rescue unit called to Alexandra Headland after reported sightings of an oil-drenched ring-tail possum in a tree.
Unit manager Brian Coulter urged any person reporting a sick animal sighting to stay with the animal.
"(That is) so there is some hope of locating them," Mr Coulter said.
Mr Coulter described the oil spill as the "worst ecological disaster the Sunshine Coast has seen".
He said patrols would continue through the eyes of the public as large numbers of residents joined the rescue unit searches. The RSPCA also joined the rescue operation yesterday with one three-person team on its way to Bribie Island.
Another team was on standby for rescue operations at Moreton Island.
At Underwater World, rescued crabs off Wurtulla Beach were being cleaned in "mayonnaise baths" and recovered hatchlings were put in kitchen colanders immersed in sea water.
"The mayonnaise works like detergent and breaks up the oil but isn't as harsh," Ms Cullen said.
Residents who find an animal covered in oil can call the Australian Wildlife Hospital on 5436 2000 or after hours toll free on 1300 369 652.
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Totally Wild
News source: The Road Ahead
February 2009
By Jim Mathers
A SIGNIFICANT facility in south-east Queensland is helping to save sick and injured native wildlife.
Queensland is now home to what is claimed to be the world's largest wildlife hospital: the Australian Wildlife Hospital (AWH), at Beerwah, north of Brisbane.
The new hospital, a $5 million project officially opened late last year and a major focus of Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, could treat up to 10,000 animals a year.
The 1300 square metre facility has replaced the original hospital building, which started in an avocado packing shed on the same site. The shed still remains part of the complex.
The hospital treated more than 6000 animals on a "no fee" basis during 2008. Staffing is set to include eight vets, 14 vet nurses, three administrative people and more than 90 volunteers. The aim is to treat sick, injured or orphaned wildlife and, once healthy, to rehabilitate them for release back into the wild.
The AWH also partners with more than 300 volunteer wildlife carers, who help rehabilitate thousands of animals.
General Manager Gail Gipp has been working with injured wildlife in one capacity or another for more than 30 years. Gail established the original AWH in 2004 with senior veterinary surgeon Dr Jon Hanger.
According to Gail, in its busier periods, the hospital has admitted more than 60 native animals in one day.
More than two-thirds of wildlife rescues are the result of injuries sustained by animals struck by motor vehicles or attacked by domestic pets. The rehabilitation success rate is quite high in these circumstances, especially for koalas. Koalas also have a high "admittance" rate due to such chronic diseases as chlamydiosis, which can cause blindness and kidney failure among other things.
A major AWH focus for 2009 will be advancing research into koala disease in association with the University of Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology.
The hospital is equipped with all manner of medical devices that you would see in "traditional" hospitals, including a cat scanner, x-ray machines and humidicribs. There are dedicated wards for certain species, an infectious diseases ward and operating theatres. Major enclosures have been built outside the hospital in which animals can complete their rehabilitation.
A strict process is followed, in accordance with government regulations, in terms of rehabilitating and releasing recovered animals back into the wild.
Environmental elements of the building's design include use of natural, low-embodied energy, renewable or recyclable materials. This includes straw bale and rammed earth walls, and low-toxicity cabinet materials, ceiling linings, floor finishes and paints.
The facility also has a conference room which can seat up to 100 people, with catering available.
Members of the public can tour the AWH (it takes about 1.5 hours) at a cost of $50 for adults and $35 for children, or $35/$20 if you visit Australia Zoo on the same day. Family rates apply.
The hospital's operating costs are underwritten by Australia Zoo, its major sponsor.
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Snakes alive, with help from hospital's
carers
News source: The Courier-Mail
6 February 2009
By Glenis Green
BABY snakes hatching by the dozen and an endangered woma python with a tummy ache have kept staff at the Australian Wildlife Hospital on the run this week.
The clutch of more than 25 tiny carpet pythons emerged in unison from eggs brought into the hospital at Australia Zoo at Beerwah by a resident who found them in his compost heap.
Hospital tour co-ordinator Rhonda Quinn said the resident's dog had harassed the mother snake, which had been curled around the eggs.
When she abandoned them, he brought them to the zoo to see if they could be saved.
With some TLC and careful incubation they all hatched successfully and will be released back into the wild.
The zoo has also had one of its most unusual patients and operations, involving a rarely seen 2.1 m woma python, which had accidentally swallowed a jagged stick that ruptured its intestine.
A property owner from St George in southwest Queensland noticed the snake immobile on the side of a local road and took it to his neighbour who managed an Australia Zoo conservation property.
The neighbour met the zoo's rescue unit at Dalby and the snake, named Booma, eventually arrived in the operating theatre after almost seven hours on the road.
Veterinarian Amber Gillett performed the four hours of tricky surgery helped by vet nurse Peta Moore, anaesthetising the snake before opening it up to remove the stick, which had perforated the intestine. It was then stitched back together again.
Booma had probably swallowed the stick along with an item of prey and it had travelled all the way down the snake's 2 m-plus length before getting stuck.
Hospital manager Gail Gipp said the hospital had treated about 6,000 animals in the past 10 months, both at a new $5 million state-of-the-art facility and in the old hospital before the new one was commission last November.
"In December we had 85 koalas in-house, which is a massive amount for that time of the year," she said.
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Lifeguards save entangled bird
News source: Sunshine Coast Daily
5 February 2009
SUNSHINE Coast Council lifeguards rescued a surfer with a difference on a recent patrol.
Dave Crossingham and Zane Jones were patrolling Bulcock Beach when they found an osprey entangled in a discarded fishing line and caught in a strong current.
The large bird of prey was struggling to keep its head above water.
The pair rescued the raptor and called in experts from Australia Zoo Rescue Unit to nurse it back to good health.
The bird was taken back to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah where the fishing line was removed under anaesthetic.
The team believe "Ozzie" the osprey had suffered an earlier encounter with fishing line due to scars and a missing talon.
A fully recovered Ozzie has been released back into the wild at Bulcock Beach.
Caloundra lifeguard supervisor Mick Taplin was full of praise for the quick actions of the lifesavers.
"It shows the calibre of our lifeguards that they have the nous to recognise when wildlife need assistance and will contact the relevant authorities," he said.
Mr Taplin said the lifeguard service and Australia Zoo enjoyed a great relationship.
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A little more conservation
News source: Qantas Inflight magazine
February 2009
By Jane E Fraser
WHEN did tourism become nature's best frind? Our special report examines new initiatives, environmental and social.
There was a time when a hotel could consider itself a responsible operator for encouraging guests to re-use their towels, rather than merely discard them on the floor daily to be laundered. Today, such initiatives are a given - and being environmentally friendly is only part of the picture.
From renewable energy, sustainable building design and "voluntourism" (volunteer work as one component of a holiday itinerary), to wildlife conservation and charitable foundations, tourism operators are proving to be determined drivers of environmental and philantropic initiatives. Operators large and small have discovered that responsible practices and economic benefit can go hand in hand - and in many cases, the tourism experience is enhanced ...
Eco tourism operators that stay in neutral - and how they do so.
Australian Wildlife Hospital
What better way to fund wildlife rehabilitation than by inviting tourists to come and watch vets at work? Money raised from tours of this $5m hospital, situated next to Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, will help care for up to 10,000 native animals annually.
www.wildlifewarriors.org.au
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Business boost for new hospital
News source: The Noosa Journal
29 January 2009
THE winners of Framing Australia's Wildlife competition recently received their prizes at Complete Framing, Noosa Civic.
Complete Framing Noosa and Maroochydore held the competition in conjunction with Wildlife Warriors Worldwide to help raise awareness and funds for the new wildlife hospital at Australia Zoo.
Complete Framing Noosa spokeswoman Denise Boyle said she was delighted with the outcome and the company wanted to promote something good within the community.
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Little hero's big effort to save wildlife
News source: The Southern Star
28 January 2009
STEVE Irwin's wildlife conservation message lives on in Macgregor's Chloe Tsangaris, who has raised more than $3000 for Wildlife Warriors Worldwide.
The six-year-old's efforts have earned her the title of world's number one fundraiser for the charity organisation.
The late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, and his wife Terri began the organisation in 2002 to protect endangered wildlife and their habitats.
To reach her grand total of $3348.20, Chloe organised fundraising barbecues involving family and friends, as well as sausage sizzles at sports carnivals.
The incredible feat won Chloe a week's holiday on the Sunshine Coast and unlimited entry and behind-the-scenes access to the Irwins' base, Australia Zoo.
She even got to meet her hero, Bindi Irwin, and Bindi's little brother Bob.
Chloe's mum Kylie Tsangaris said her daughter's love of wildlife was sparked by animal books she read to her as a toddler.
"We'd visit the zoo and she would be like a sponge," Mrs Tsangaris said.
"She'd tell us things about animals we didn't even know."
Wildlife Warriors Worldwide spokeswoman Melinda Cook said it was hard-working people like Chloe who ensured the organisation could continue its important work.
Visit www.everdayhero.com.au/ChloeTsangaris to donate.
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