Dramatic Rescue

On April 13th, we took a call from a development worksite. They’d been in touch with us regularly about koalas on the site, which involved our volunteers going and checking their health. The company had previously ceased felling (as required by legislation), when one was spotted in an ill-fated tree. Unfortunately, on this day, a koala had evaded their careful checks and was seen running off from the felled tree and up a rather large eucalyptus. After an incident like this, the koala must be checked for injuries and consequently, work ceased on site, awaiting her capture. All of us on site were required to sign in, wear hard hats, Hi-Vis and boots while the situation was assessed.

The 40m sprawling eucalyptus meant the tree was too high to pole her down, too many branches to consider sending a tree climber up. The call went out to our sympathetic supporter, Performance Tower Hire. They sent out one of their 54m Elevated Work Platform trucks (EWP).

Over 4hrs later, after site assessments, plan of attack, various setups and careful slow positioning of the truck, the koala was finally in the EWP and on her way to the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital at Wacol. Mum and Pouch Joey are now in recovery.

A big thank you to Performance Tower Hire and those of our volunteers who were able to come and act as ground crew, especially those who took turns in the EWP assessing from a height and distance to ensure mum was not spooked.

Look at the photo's HERE