One of the great things about a visit to Magnetic Island is our resident Koala population. It is one of the highlights of my day if I can find one in the wild that our guests can stop and take a look at. I still get a thrill seeing them in the wild even when I’m not leading a tour, and for many of out visitors it is the highlight of their trip.
One of the best places to see them on the island is along the Forts Walk. You’ll usually see one or two if you keep your eyes out (or follow one of the signs people usually leave behind).
Unfortunately inappropriate interactions with wild koalas can stress the animals and in some cases can cause a mother to abandon its baby. We love our Koalas and love sharing them with our visitors, we just ask that you do so in a responsible way that doesn’t cause them undue stress.
The correct way to interact with a wild Koala
It is important that if you do find one you interact with it correctly to avoid any stressing them, especially if they have a young baby. PLEASE if you see koalas – keep calm and quiet and photograph them from a distance. Use your zoom for that close up shot.
According to our friends at the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital, koalas DO get stressed by people being close to them. Mum’s and babies especially are at risk. Being scared and stressed means a mum can run off and separate from baby and the baby will not survive on its own.
A baby separated from mum can require a year of rehabilitation and is not always successful. That’s even if it is lucky and makes it into care and isn’t left abandoned in the wild.
The Magnetic Island Koala Hospital has six babies in care at the moment. Lets not add any more to that number.
Don’t get close for that selfie.
As tempting as it maybe, please don’t get close to the Koala for that selfie. Research shows that a koala’s heart rate increases even if people are close by and not interacting with the animal. Having cameras shoved in one’s face is not going to help.
The Magnetic Island Koala Hospital has six babies in care at the moment. Lets not add any more to that number for the sake of a selfie
Don’t touch and don’t cuddle them!
This is a big no no. It is illegal in most Australian states and territories to pick up a wild Koala. The only people who are permitted to have a Koala in their possession, besides suitably authorised zoos, are, occasionally, scientists, and the people who are taking care of sick or injured Koalas or orphaned joeys. These people must have a special permit from wildlife authorities to do this work and the carers must return the animals to the wild as soon as they are well enough or, in the case of joeys, old enough, to take care of themselves.
Besides that, Koalas have very large and sharp claws with strong nails. They need them to climb and hang on to the trees, and can use them to protect themselves against predators such as dingoes. They are so strong they can mark the trees with their claws. Ask yourself, is my skin more, or less, tough than the bark on a gum tree?
Don’t chase them on the ground
Koalas are arboreal (tree dwelling). They much prefer to be in the trees. If you see one on the ground it is probably just changing trees. Don’t approach it, and don’t chase it.
What if I find a sick or injured Koala?
Please call:
The volunteers at the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital: +61428 785 488
Magnetic Island Fauna Care Organsation (MIFCO): +61427 918 130
So, if you see a koala whilst out on the island, keep a respectful distance, remain calm and take joy in seeing something many Australian’s haven’t even experienced.