Currumbin Wildlife Hospital’s Wildlife Rescue During Cyclone Alfred

Currumbin, Gold Coast – As Tropical Cyclone Alfred tore through Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales last week, the dedicated team at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure vulnerable, native wildlife continued to receive life-saving care.

Preparing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred

In the lead-up to the cyclone, stable patients were discharged to experienced wildlife carers, freeing up space for the most critical cases. But for the sickest animals, the work didn’t stop even as Alfred raged, with many patients being taken home to continue treatment with staff members from the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

At Home Emergency ICU for Koala ‘Laura Leaf’

One of the most extraordinary efforts involved Laura Leaf, a female koala who underwent
emergency abdominal surgery on Wednesday, just hours before the cyclone hit. With the
hospital preparing to close for safety, Laura Leaf received her post-operative care in a
makeshift ICU at Nursing Supervisor Mallory Wilson’s spare bedroom at home.

“We knew she wouldn’t make it without round-the-clock care,” said Dr Michael Pyne, Senior
Veterinarian. “When you work in wildlife medicine, you do whatever it takes. She had major
intestinal issues, and we needed to monitor her closely. So, one of our amazing team
member’s spare rooms became a koala ICU.”

Wildlife Rescue Surges Post-Cyclone

After weathering the storm, the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital re-opened on Saturday,
immediately admitting 56 new patients—including birds, possums, and other animals
injured or displaced by the cyclone.

“We’re expecting a surge in patients now that people are assessing the damage and
discovering injured wildlife,” Dr Pyne explained. “Freshwater turtles, seabirds, and other
displaced animals will need our help in the coming days.”

How You Can Help Wildlife After the Cyclone

The hospital is urging the public to remain vigilant and to bring injured wildlife directly to
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital if it is safe to do so. They also remind people to never approach
snakes or flying foxes and to avoid putting themselves at risk when assisting animals.

With an influx of injured wildlife expected, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital has launched a
Cyclone Appeal to help fund the emergency care required in the aftermath of Cyclone
Alfred, donations will go directly towards treating and rehabilitating displaced and injured
wildlife.