Our primary reason for stopping in Port Macquarrie was to visit the Koala Hospital. This hospital is the only one of its kind in Australia. It’s open every single day of the year and is free to the public. Yes, free! (Of course, you’ll feel compelled to leave a donation for this awesome organization.)
Each year, between 200-250 koalas are treated at the hospital. They have a few regulars and few residents who aren’t able to live in the wild. The koalas are kept in open air structures with plenty of room for climbing and dozing. (Those two activities seem to be much of what they do all day, aside from eating.)
The top reasons koalas are admitted to the hospital include chlamydia, car accidents, and dog attacks. During the breeding season koalas need to travel to find a mate and when obstacles like roads or family pets get in the way… well, it’s not usually good news for the koalas.
Luckily, the volunteers at the hospital are dedicated. One volunteer was telling us stories about being called out in the middle of the night on rescues. It’s not for the faint hearted.
At the hospital, you are free to read loads of literature or wander near the enclosures. If you arrive at 3pm you can join a free tour and see a (super cute) feeding.
Even though koalas look like they just might be the cuddliest animals ever… I was saddened to learn that’s just not the case. One of the informative panels clearly read, “Do not attempt to cuddle a koala!!” Apparently their teeth and claws are very sharp and they can/will inflict wounds. Should you ever find yourself needing to handle or rescue a koala, it’s best to cover him or her in a think carpet first. Too bad.
I really enjoyed our visit to the hospital and would encourage anyone traveling in Australia to stop for a visit. If you can’t make it there, you can still adopt a wild koala… or watch the hospital’s National Geographic tv show. (I think this was playing on my flight from LAX to PDX this summer.)
Unfortunately, my camera and I were having a row that day and most of my photo attempts were seriously lacking. I wish I had something better to show you.
Ok, I think that’s the last of the koalas… at least for now!
xo, jill
PS I also finally made an Australia button on my “Places I’ve Seen” page if you ever feel the need to check out all the posts.
What WHAT. Did I read that right? Koalas get chlamydia?? How do the people find out they have it? I didn’t know this happened..! Bizarre! I just finished studying chlamydia in my medical micro class.. so this is super interesting!
I’m also disappointed by the lack of cuddliness in the most cuddly-looking creatures on the planet. I’m also obsessed with wombats, but I’ve heard they are super vicious.
x
I had the same reaction when I first heard that. (Well, I giggled a little bit too). It’s not the same as the human form but it affects their vision, respiration, and the female’s fertility, which is obviously a really bad thing to happen!