Technology and expert veterinary care have played a major part in a program to return koalas severely injured in the 2019-20 bushfires back to the wild.
The fires razed more than 1.5 million hectares in Victoria alone and had a devastating effect on our wildlife.
A team comprising EcoPlan Australia, Federation University, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Parks Victoria, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Zoos Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning rescued injured koalas, taking them to Healesville Sanctuary to treat their injuries.
The healthy koalas were later returned to their own habitat near Mallacoota, which has recovered since the bushfires.
As we celebrate National Science Week this week, see how the team restored the koalas’ health and monitored their progress remotely to ensure their return to their bush home was as safe as possible.
Page last updated: 16/08/21