During the Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) conference held in Christchurch, New Zealand in early August, the Hidden Vale Koala Project received the ZAA Conservation Award. HVRS won this award for its innovative Koala Project. The Koala Project monitored the health, welfare, reproduction, and movement of the endangered species on the Hidden Vale property.
Over the past five years more than 60 koalas have been involved in the project. Animals involved in the project obtained health checks, chlamydia vaccinations, veterinary treatment (where needed) and ongoing monitoring. Most recently the Koala Project undertook seven successful translocations of koalas from different regions of south-east Queensland onto the property. The translocated koalas were monitored for a period of 6-12 months to understand the impact of translocation on the individuals and on the pre-existing population of koalas. Of the three females translocated, two had pouch young at their most recent vet check, which is a massive success!
This award recognises all the tireless efforts made by everyone involved in the project and the impact that the project has had on the conservation of Koalas.
Hidden Vale Research Station’s ex-situ Research Manager Dr Julia Hoy was present and received the award on behalf of all involved in the Koala Project.
Julia also delivered a plenary presentation on the UQ-TFF partnership, highlighting upcoming Hidden Vale projects and the positive impact of the combined UQ-TFF conservation strategy.
