Three more koalas, Chandler, Attie and Heaven, have found a new home among the gumtrees in the Pooh Corner Bushland Reserve (Wacol). The release of these adorable marsupials is part of a critical research project funded through our Koala Partnership Research Program. The Koala Partnership Research Program is a collaborative initiative between the Brisbane City Council and various research institutes including the University of Queensland.
UQ Researcher and passionate koala advocate, Dr Sean FitzGibbon, is focused on re-establishing a healthy population of koalas in the high-quality habitat in Pooh Corner. This research will make a significant contribution to ensuring the longevity of another valuable population of koalas in Brisbane, as well as advancing the knowledge and understanding of this important species and their habitat.
Before the release, the koalas underwent a thorough health check at Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre and were fitted with radio collars to allow researchers to monitor their movements and behaviour. These three new koalas will join Matilda, Karri and Lady Jane, who were released in late 2022, and are already enjoying feasting on native gum leaves in their new protected bushland home.
As part of the project, UQ researchers together with local volunteers from Wolston and Centenary Catchments (WACC) will continue to monitor and perform regular health checks on the released koalas to ensure they are settled and thriving in their new environment.
Other research as part of the Partnership Program will also focus on areas such as probiotics to improve koala rehabilitation success, genetic resilience of local populations, and understanding chlamydial infection and disease.
Residents can also do their bit to help protect our koalas by keeping their dog on a leash when walking in bushland areas, sticking to the designated trails, keeping their distance from wildlife, and watching for wildlife when driving, especially at dawn or dusk.
You can learn more about the Koala’s at Pooh Corner Bushland Reserve by coming along to World Environment Day on Sunday, 4th June.
