The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is warning that Trauma Season is ‘far from over’, with record-breaking patient numbers sparking concern for the final weeks of summer.
September to February is the busiest and most confronting time of year for the wildlife hospital’s veterinary team, marked by increased wildlife movement as animals search for food, water, shelter, and mates.
The hospital’s manager and vet, Dr Ludo Valenza, said warmer weather poses a serious threat to roaming animals.
“Admissions are rising every year. The 2025-2026 season has recorded almost 2000 more patients than the previous season,” Dr Ludo said.
A koala remains in care after being admitted to the hospital last December.
Flower was hit by a car in Central Queensland and driven for more than ten hours to the hospital.
“Flower is a special patient here at the Wildlife Hospital, as she was rescued and transported by my Mum to receive urgent treatment,” Dr Ludo said.
“She had sustained severe facial trauma, including a fractured jaw and a ruptured eye.
“Thankfully, the position of the fracture allowed it to heal naturally over time. Flower was placed on fluids, received pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication, and was looked after in the ICU during the first few weeks of her recovery,” she said.
“While Flower has lost vision in her ruptured left eye, her right eye remains perfectly healthy, and she has been healing wonderfully since coming into our care.”
Flower is currently spending time in a large rehabilitation area within the Wildlife Hospital, where she can practice climbing tall eucalyptus trees and adjust to her one-eyed ailment in a safe and controlled environment.
“Once she has spent approximately one month in the rehabilitation space, she’ll be released back into the wild in Central Queensland,” said Dr. Ludo.
“Koalas are classified as an endangered species here in Queensland and New South Wales, making it critically important to save every life and preserve their population for future generations,” she said.
Motorways remain one of the leading causes of injury throughout Trauma Season, as cars frequently collide with animals crossing busy roads.
Drivers are urged to slow down during dawn and dusk to help protect our native wildlife, particularly near bushland or forestry areas.
