Koala Sanctuary and Clinic Proposal

8/11/2019 Koala Sanctuary and Clinic Proposal

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Any glimpse into the lifeof an animal quickens our own and

makes it so much the larger and better in every way.

-John Muir


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Our dream is to create a unique and engaging experience toopen visitors hearts to our magnificent and diverse native

animals.

Centred on education, conservation and authentic traditionalindigenous culture, this is an opportunity to return to the wildland Australia once was. A true haven for wildlife, where they

rule the land like they once did.

Based in South East Queensland, our koala sanctuary will enticevisitors to the region, expand the economy and promote

employment and community involvement. Along with a smallveterinary clinic to treat the overwhelming amount of

unreleasable koalas, we will provide the biggest asset to koalaconservation in Queensland.

As a not for profit organisation, funds would be put backstraight back into conservation to allow the future existence of

our much loved and truly remarkable native animals.

We aim to contribu

1. To engage the publicexperience emphasisrather than the busy,businesses such Aust

2. To provide treatment

otherwise be euthan

3. Educational programawareness of wildlife

4. Captive managemencaptive animals for re

5. Providing educationaeducational instituteand fauna biology, a


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Why?

The Nature Conservation Act 1992 believes that the euthanasiaof wildlife is necessary if the animal is sterile or not suited tobeing released, unless a Zoo or Wildlife Sanctuary accepts itunder the Species Management Plan. Sadly, most Zoos andSanctuaries are at capacity, so the only other option iseuthanasia.

We are losing female koalas at an alarming rate. Reproductivedisease, caused by Chlamydia and the Koala Retrovirus, affectsalmost 80% of females causing infertility. Out of this percentage,90% are euthanased because sterile koalas, under the NatureConservation Act, cannot be released.

Nature Conserva

Unless EHP has granted p

Queensland Species Managadvised by the EHP Directobe euthanased when:

The ability to reprodusurgical procedure

The ability to move frhop, fly or swim) is pera missing or impaired significantly impair the

The ability to sense enfeel) is permanently imsuch as an eye, ear or nthe animals ability to s

Its advanced age rendeBeautiful little Nina, just under 2 years old,

was recently found with cystitis and taken

for treatment at Australia Zoo WildlifeHospital. During her first monthly check up

she was found to have developed ovarian

cysts. She was euthanased. Her cysts could

have been removed by desexing, however

koala vacancies at Zoos and Sanctuaries are

so low she would not have had a chance at

finding a home.

A

be

rem

me

fin

Pla


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Who We Are

As arguably the most well known and publicised koala rescueservice in Australia, Sunshine Coast Koala Rescue Inc have beenrescuing koalas Queensland wide since 2008.

We are a volunteers run 24hr koala rescue group founded bytwin brothers and koala experts, Ray and Murray Chambers. Our

volunteer team boasts decades of experience in koala rescue,rehabilitation, veterinary nursing, and captive wildlifemanagement, and includes experienced fundraisers, grantwriters, office administrators, and media managers.

With a pair of fully qualified tree climbers specialising in hightree climb koala rescues, our services are regularly requested bygroups such as the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Australia ZooRescue Unit, Moreton Bay Koala Rescue and Daisy Hill KoalaRescue.

Ou

Extensive knowledgerescue and rehabilitat

Experience in wildlifeand captive wildlife m

Experience in koala G

Strong connections won TV shows such aslocal news, radio andin the world renowneGeographic magazine

We are an establishedorganisation with exi

We have a large volum

help us achieve our g

We have developed swide wildlife hospitalofficers


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Bus

Indoor Educational C

Educational displa

Information on kosicknesses and inj

Information on th

services Administration, ca

Outdoor Native Wild

To accommodate possums, dingoesavailable for intera

Natural Habitat Walk

For koalas, kanga

not require aroun Integrated walkin

tracks and BBQ an

Designed to connform

Koala Clinic

Location

Our intended locationwould ideally be within a2hr radius of theSunshine Coast fortourism advantages, yetwithin a few hours of

existing WildlifeHospitals. The coastlinenorth of Noosa demandsadditional tourismbusinesses to supplementthe existing eco tourismat Hervey Bay, Tin CanBay, and Fraser Island.

The shown map

comprises of anestimated population ofapproximately 2.6million* and around 30.5million visitors per year*.

* ERP 2014, TRA and Deloitte Access Economics


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Opportu

Accommodation

Small accommodation tourism experiences t

Camping sites, with b

Volunteer accommodfor international, stat

Other activities

Horse riding

Bicycle hire

Additional souvenir and fo

local residents

Koala Clinic

Focussing primarily on the treatmentof non releasable koalas, the clinicwill be operated by a veterinary nurseand volunteers. Koalas will betransferred to fully equippedveterinary surgeries for surgery and

treatment, and housed at the clinicfor rehabilitation.

There is a desperate need for additional koala treatmentfacilities, as over 50% of koalas show signs of chlamydia. Andrequire treatment. The three current Queensland wildlifehospitals are regularly operating at capacity, and koalas livesare at stake as only the healthiest are chosen for treatment asspace is so limited.

Koala Clinic Outline:

Indoor ICU

Triage area

Outdoor rehabilitation enclosures of various sizes

Research facilities

To work in existence with other Wildlife Facilities totransfer and receive koalas for treatment


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Services

Educational guided tours

Educational shows and talks

Community group excursions for schools, retirementhomes and disability care groups

Wildlife encounters for photography, feeding, andpetting

Research facilities focussing on koala diseases

Training and work experience opportunities for highschool students, work placements and traineeships forTAFE students, and placements for tertiary students

Traditional indigenous experiences such as bush tours,campfires and storytelling

Behind the scene tours

Mar

There are only TWO simila

Daisy Hill Koala Centre D

Government operated

435 hectares

Only 3 resident koala Operates the Daisy H

are taken for treatmeHospital

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Worlds largest koala

Over 130 koalas and a

Based on only 11 acre


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Fina

Since we are a not-for-proto put funds straight backanimal acquisition, researcrun primarily by the assexpenses by almost 45%.

This income will be generaand merchandise sales as wSuch donations have alreadSunshine Coast Koala Resc

Some start up expenses angrants such as T-QUAL Touits ability to financially providing over $800,000 foround.

By basing the sanctuary reduce admission fees maximum funds to operatekeep the cost of admission for the koalas and other wi

Tourism Benefits

More than eight million people visit wildlifeorientated industries across Australia eachyear. International Visitor Survey foundthat 67.5% of tourists wanted to seeanimals during their visit, and 71.1%actually did see animals during their visit.

More visitors wanted to see koalas (44%) the most, followed bykangaroos (43.2%).

The wildlife industry helps the national economy by creatingemployment, purchasing goods, materials and services, and byearning foreign exchange through visitation by overseastourists. We will be a vital part for local communities throughattracting much needed visitors to the region.

Community Benefits

Employment and volunteering opportunities

School and community education programs

Opportunities for research by educational institutes andresearchers

Opportunities local and indigenous community members todisplay and sell artwork and memorabilia

Koala Sanctuary and Clinic Proposal

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