Make the Koala the Marsupial of the Year!

Wildlife Warriors is a not-for-profit organisation founded by Steve and Terri Irwin in 2002, to protect some of the world's most threatened wildlife species and natural habitats, including the iconic koala. We are at the forefront of koala conservation by providing these endangered animals with a lifeline, at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. As Australia's busiest koala hospital, we treat up to 800 sick, injured and orphaned koalas each year, providing them with the specialised treatment and care they need to recover. More than 50% of koalas admitted to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital suffer from disease, including chlamydia, a terrible illness drastically wiping out the koala population. Our veterinary team is on the front line of saving these animals, by working with universities and researchers to help diseased koalas. Koalas are also commonly admitted from vehicle collisions and domestic pet attacks, often suffering from life-threatening injuries. In Spring, Trauma Season begins at the hospital when animals start to move more, looking for food, water, shelter or a mate. It's during this time that patient admissions triple, with an increase in all animals but especially koalas.

Funds raised from the Marsupial of the Year campaign will go directly towards Wildlife Warriors' conservation projects, including the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Since its inception in 2004, the world-class facility has treated more than 130,000 native animals including over 11,000 koalas. It has never been more important for all of us to be Wildlife Warriors and make clever environmental choices, ensuring we can coexist in peace with wildlife, and honouring Steve Irwin's important dream to save one, and ultimately save the species.