Corey the Koala’s Close Call: A Reminder as Dispersal Season Begins

Corey is a young male koala just beginning to find his place in the world. Like many joeys his age, dispersal season is the time to leave their mothers and seek out new territory. While this is an exciting time for koalas, Corey’s first big journey nearly ended in tragedy. 

Last week, Corey wandered into a suburban Gold Coast backyard. Unaware of the dangers he might face, he was attacked by an American Staffy. Corey sustained three deep puncture wounds and two lacerations to his rear. Thankfully, he was rushed to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, where the veterinary team gave him emergency treatment, stitched his wounds, and began a program of intensive care.

What’s Next for Koala Corey

Corey remains under close watch in the Wildlife Hospital’s Koala ICU. With time and expert care, the team are hopeful he’ll make a full recovery. Corey’s story is a heartbreaking but all-too-common. It’s a reminder of the challenges young koalas face during dispersal season, which begins in June and runs through December.

If you live on the Gold Coast, please be extra vigilant on the roads and ensure your pets are under control to help protect koalas, kangaroos and other native animals during dispersal and breeding season.

“Dispersal season is when we see a sharp rise in koala admissions due to trauma,” said Dr Michael Pyne OAM, Senior Veterinarian at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

“Young koalas like Corey are navigating roads, fences, dogs, and unfamiliar landscapes for the first time. Without the support of people slowing down on roads and making sure backyards are safe, many Koalas won’t make it.”

More Accidents During Dispersal Season

Last year, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital treated over 1,000 animals suspected of being hit by a vehicle. Between 70 and 90 Koalas are admitted from vehicle strikes annually. Overall, the hospital treated more than 16,000 wildlife patients in 2024, a number that continues to grow each year. 

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate asked City residents to take some simple steps during dispersal and breeding season, which is from June to December. By taking these steps, you can ensure more koalas like Corey don’t get hospitalised, or worse. Here’s what Mayor Tom Tate said:

1. “Slow down, look out for our locals and you could save a life.”
2. “Keeping our wildlife safe is a team effort and we are urging all Gold Coasters to do their part by keeping their pets under control, koala proofing their backyards and taking care on the road.”
3. “Vehicle-strikes are one of the biggest causes of injury and death to our local native animals which is why we are urging Gold Coasters to pay attention to wildlife warning signs.
4. “We share our backyards with some unique and special wildlife. We are asking you to take care for their sake.”

Good News Despite Dispersal Season

This year has also brought hopeful news, with over 40 joeys and 12 “grand-joeys” born among Currumbin Wildlife Hospital’s chlamydia vaccine research population. This is proof that dedicated conservation efforts are working. But these young koalas need the community’s help to make it through dispersal season.

Together, the City of Gold Coast and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital are urging residents to slow down and be vigilant on the roads particularly in wildlife areas, keep their pets under control, koala proof their property with koala-exclusion fencing, and provide trees, posts or ramps to help koalas escape their property.

About Currumbin Wildlife Hospital

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on public support to treat, rehabilitate, and release sick and injured wildlife. Every donation helps save lives, just like Corey’s.