The Koala Hospital was founded in 1973 by a local couple, Jean and Max Star. It is a "C" class Veterinary Hospital, restricted to on site minor procedures only. All major surgeries, x-rays etc. are undertaken at our Veterinary Superintendent's practice in Port Macquarie.

Over the Hospital's 37 year operation, a number of protocols and procedures for dealing with a myriad of reasons for koala admissions, have been developed. Some are highly successful, where others are continually being trialled and reassessed for further improvement. Eye infection as a result of the chlamydial bacteria, usually has an excellent result from treatment, whereas the urogenital form of Chlamydia is still a battle that has to be won. A massive research project involving Sydney University and other industry partners will, we hope, eventually to have a successful outcome.

The Koala Hospital, being a research/study centre has not only a strong affiliation with Sydney University, but also networks with many institutions, zoos, wildlife researchers, wildlife veterinarians and numerous wildlife rehabilitation groups world wide.

Services / Resources

With the ever diminishing koala food trees, due to local development, the Society is committed to replacing as many food trees as possible. Our Habitat Co-ordinator represents the Society at Council meetings trying to create a balanced view whenever a new development proposal is lodged that is going to have an affect on koala's.

Whilst the Hospital is only staffed from 7.00a.m. until 4.30.p.m. each day, we provide a 24 hour rescue service and if a koala is found sick or injured after hospital hours a trained rescuer will attend and either take the koala to one of our Home Carers for the night or, if necessary, take it to the Veterinary Surgeon for attention.

Home Care volunteers are also trained to look after koalas that need extra "around the clock" care until they are well enough to be admitted to the Hospital. Orphaned joeys are also reared in Home Care until they reach an acceptable body weight, then they are returned to the Hospital where they finish their 'growing up' and de-humanising, ready to be released into the wild.