22 March 2023
With the Tweed’s coastal koala population in danger of extinction, every koala rescued or saved is critical to ensure the survival of this iconic Australian marsupial.
In January, Friends of the Koala volunteers responded to calls from residents of Botanical Circuit, Banora Point to check on a koala who was looking unwell. Koala Lenny was rescued and received a full health check at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital (CWH). Fortunately, they found no evidence of illness or injury from a dog attack or motor vehicle strike and was well enough to be released.
Lenny is a gorgeous 5-year-old female who has been rescued twice in the past 2 years, and each time released into more suitable habitat at Terranora. Both times she has returned to the Botanical Circuit area which is risky due to its busy location in the suburbs.
After extensive consultation with Friends of the Koala vet staff and CWH koala ecologists, Lenny was released close by to where she was found, in what appears to be her preferred habitat.
To assist with monitoring movements, Lenny wears a red tag with the number 4557 in her right ear. Keep an eye out and report your sightings to Council if you see Lenny around.
Friends of the Koala’s Tweed rescuers and Council’s conservation staff are urging residents to report all koala sightings. Reporting helps to locate potential release sites in the Banora Point / Terranora areas, and to identify where the koalas are moving and the habitat they are using.
What can you do to help?
Find out how to tell when a koala is unwell.
Call Friends of the Koala’s 24-hr Rescue Hotline 02 6622 1233 for assistance if you’re unsure.
Report all koala sightings. Sick or injured koalas should be immediately called in to the Rescue Hotline. All other sightings can be reported online.
Slow right down on the roads, even in urban areas – koalas can cross at any time.
Plant koala food trees if koalas are in your area. Call Council on 02 6670 2400 for advice or assistance with koala habitat restoration on your property.
Adopt a koala to assist with its care.
Find out more about how Council is looking after the Tweed’s koala population.
Image: Lenny was released back into her habitat at Banora Point earlier this year. Credit: B Hibbard