Page 9 - BOL Jul20 Edition

‘Kola’ the Mango Hill

Koala Rescued

Local residents around Mallard Street, Mango Hill, were
thrilled recently to spot a cute koala grazing in the nearby
eucalypt foliage. The koala who frequents the area was
named ‘Kola’ after Moreton Bay Koala Rescue (MBKR) were
notified of sightings from concerned locals.

Lisa Bigmore, a resident who lives in the area, grew
concerned when she noticed a few differences in Kola’s
behaviour. ‘He started staying for longer periods rather
than moving to other trees. We also noticed his urine had
started to stain the tree around those lower branches.’

It appeared from photographs Kola was suffering from
a potential urine infection, which is common among
the koala population. MBKR attended the scene and
attempted to rescue the koala over several days. They were
eventually successful and transported Kola to the Australia
Zoo Wildlife Hospital for a mandatory health check-up.

The check-up revealed Kola was a senior, male koala,
approximately ten years of age. Reports suggest Kola was
displaying signs of an old chest injury, potentially from
either falling out of a tree or being hit by a car.

Unfortunately, Kola is still having difficulty putting on
weight and is being lovingly cared for by the staff at
Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. It is hoped Kola will
eventually be healthy enough to return to his Mango Hill
territory to live out the remainder of his life.

Kola is not the only koala in the area, with recent sightings
in the Petrie, Morayfield, Clontarf, Kippa-Ring and North
Lakes area. ‘Gerald’ the koala was found wandering the
streets of North Lakes and was identified as the 10, 000th
koala call-out for MBKR, after worried residents alerted
the team.

As we approach the mating season, koalas, particularly the
males, will be on the move. MBKR volunteer Mike Fowler
says ‘The mating season runs from about August to March.
It does depend on the weather though, so it could start a
little bit earlier this year.’

As a result of this increased movement of koalas, Mike
urges residents to use caution when driving at night,
particularly in areas where koala signage is erected. If you
think you have hit a koala, make sure you stop and give
MBKR, Pine Rivers Koala Rescue or RSPCA a call as soon as
possible. He also advises against handling wild koalas, but
rather usher them to a safe area and call the rescue team.

Please report all koala sightings and injured koalas in
the Moreton Bay area to Moreton Bay Koala Rescue, who
are available 24/7 on 0401 080 333. Photo Credit: Victoria Andrews
July 2020 www.bestoflocal.com.au 9