Lois and Clarkie

Louis-and-Clark.jpg

Rescued from Alexander Clark Park, Loganholme in March 2026.

Image caption - Lois after her tree top rescue. Image courtesy of Jennifer Louw, Koala Rescue Redlands and Surrounds.

Logan Wildlife Association received a call about a sick koala at Alexander Clark Park in Loganholme. With only limited information available, wildlife carers searched the area on foot but were unable to locate the koala.

When weather conditions improved, Koala Rescue Redlands and Surrounds deployed a thermal drone to assist with the search. It didn’t take long to spot koalas resting high in the trees. In just a small section of the park, the team detected eight koalas — including one carrying a tiny joey and another with a back rider. This provided a valuable snapshot of the local koala population while the team was on site.

During the search, the team made an unexpected discovery.

They hadn’t found one sick koala, they had found two, both in the same tree!

The two koalas, later named Louis and Clarkie, were rescued with the help of Wildcare and Logan Wildlife Association and transferred to the RSPCA for veterinary assessment.

Louis, a young female koala, was found to be severely underweight and suffering from cystitis, a painful urinary tract disease commonly linked to chlamydia. Further examination revealed a large reproductive cyst, and due to her very poor body condition, treatment or surgical options were not viable.

Clarkie, an adult male koala, was also in very poor condition. He was severely emaciated and suffering from advanced cystitis, with signs indicating long‑term illness and a very low likelihood of recovery, rehabilitation, or safe release back into the wild.

clarkie-the-koala.png

Image caption - Clarkie the Koala. Image courtesy of Jennifer Louw, Koala Rescue Redlands and Surrounds.

Following comprehensive veterinary assessments, it was determined that neither Louis nor Clark could recover or be safely returned to the wild. To prevent further suffering, the difficult but compassionate decision was made to humanely euthanise both koalas.

The loss of Louis and Clarkie is deeply sad, but their story is important. It highlights both the resilience of koalas living in urban environments and the serious challenges they face. Their experience is now helping guide further investigation and conservation planning at Alexander Clark Park, with the aim of improving outcomes for the koalas that continue to call this area home.

If you spot a koala, check if they are sick or injured. Here is what to look out for:

  • Red, inflamed or crusty eyes
  • Very dirty, wet or brown bottom
  • Signs of injury such as cuts, blood or fur loss
  • Very skinny
  • Not using all four limbs when climbing or walking
  • Sitting at the base of a tree or in the same tree for several days.

If you have spotted a sick or injured koala, call for help immediately.

  • RSPCA: 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) – 7:00am to 7:00pm
  • Wildcare: 07 5527 2444 – open 24 hours a day 7 days a week
  • Koala Rescue Redlands and Surrounds: 0435 504 222 – open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Back to top