21/04/2026
Sighting Koalas in the wild. Koalas in the wild are sighted in various ways. Many sightings are what we call opportunistic...in the right place, at the right time.
Opportunistic sightings also depend on light, height, positioning and habitat.
In a perfect world, we would all be thrilled at seeing a wild Koala...and understandably so. It is an incredible moment, and for many people, something they've yet to experience.
But for much of our precious Fauna, this is far from their perfect world, and consequently, it is our responsibility as humans, to ensure that they are living their best life possible.
Thankfully, technology is helping us to do so.
Earlier this month, when a brief cold snap passed through, I wandered out with some of these helpful technological tools.
In my hand was a thermal monocular, and in my bag was a super zoom camera.
Although it was already after 8am and broad daylight, as I scanned the distant canopy with our thermal monocular, a tell tale small, but distinctive white blob caught my eye...as seen below.
With the naked eye, I could then just make out what appeared to be a Koala, also shown.
By zooming in with the camera, I was easily able to identify this little shape, as being Molly.
Molly is one of our tagged girls being monitored as part of the Reducing the Threat of Chlamydia in SEQ’s Wild Koalas Program.
These tools of technology are assisting us to not only identify our local Koalas, but they are also helping us to assess wild Koalas that we opportunistically locate, along with those reported by community members.
As a Koala rescue group, Care4esk receives numerous reports of visiting Koalas from property owners.
With the additional aid of technology, we have successfully assessed many of these Koalas, recognising little signs of illness that may have easily gone unnoticed.
There is absolutely no doubt about it...Koalas are adorable.
However, if we want them to be healthy and here for all to appreciate and adore, we must be vigilant and do everything possible to keep them around.
As part of a broad network of Koala rescuers, we recognise the importance and necessity of constant support and regular intervention.
The perfect world for our wild Koalas may never be found, but for now, taking the right action is the best step forward.
Care4esK
Care 4 every single Koala