In the Media 2004

Animal hospital calls for help
22 September 2004
Sunshine Coast Daily, page 10

Frogs jammed in doors, koalas hit by cars, joeys left orphaned – all in a day’s work at the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation’s Koala and Wildlife Hospital.

But the new hospital has become a victim of its own success after just six months of operation. It is in desperate need of donations to enable it to grow as facilities become inundated and staff struggle to cope with the demand. Hospital manager Gail Gipp said staff took in 76 koalas on top of other forms of wildlife last month alone. “We’ve got koalas on the floor because we have nowhere to put them all," she said.

Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation business developer Linda Simpson said she was amazed the hospital had received so many emergencies before it had officially been opened. “It’s a bit scary, considering we’re full," Mrs Simpson said. She said the hospital had cared for more than 2000 sick and injured animals since March. Mrs Simpson said the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation was not-for-profit and costs to run the hospital were high.

“It can cost up to $700,000 a year,” she said.

Mrs Simpson said the best way to show support for the hospital was by becoming a Wildlife Warrior and donating an amount of money each month. Visit the Australia Zoo website at www.crocodilehunter.com or telephone the hospital on 5436 2097 to become a Wildlife Warrior.