Ember the koala was a victim of the 2019/20 bushfires in Australia – one of the most damaging bushfire seasons on record. More than 10 million hectares of land in New South Wales and Queensland was burned, displacing or killing more than a billion species.
Koalas are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. There are thought to be somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 koalas remaining but with an estimated 80% population decline in the last decade due to habitat loss, disease and human pressures, they could be extinct by 2050 without concerted conservation efforts.
Ember’s tragic story helps to highlight the range of threats facing koalas, and reminds us why this iconic species needs support and protection.
Embers’ Story
Fire
Ember was plucked from the burning ground in Bungawalbyn National Park in December 2019 by Friends of the Koala rescue volunteers, and taken to the rescue centre.
She had severe burns on her rump and all four paws, was dehydrated and suffering from smoke inhalation. Staff and volunteers feared she might not make it, because her injuries were so bad.
Despite their fears, after 67 days in Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and lots of care from FOK volunteers Ember was well enough to be released back to the wild.
Freedom
Roll the clock forward 18 months to 2021 and Ember was spotted with a joey – a great success story for all those involved in her rescue and release.
However the story does not end there.
In 2023 Ember had another joey. Sadly, in October the tiny female joey was found dead and Ember was displaying some strange behaviours so she was given a full health check. There were some concerns flagged up in the health check but she was eating and moving without issue and it was decided the wild was the best place for her to be.
However, in March Ember returned to care, this time with a confirmed case of chlamydia – this bacterial infection is a major threat to koalas affecting 20-90% of individuals. Reports suggest that 50% of koalas treated for the disease in wildlife hospitals do not survive.
Telltale signs include conjunctivitis and ‘dirty tail’ (as a result of a urinary tract infection). It can cause blindness and infertility, and without treatment, be fatal.
Ember suffered a rapid decline and staff agreed that the kindest course of action was to put her to sleep. She has been buried in the wildlife refuge.
Images: Friends of the Koala and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
