Other Conservation Projects

Koala Research
Disease in koalas has been cited as a significant factor accounting for the dramatic decline of the species. As the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is acclaimed the leading koala hospital in the world, it is crucial for the hospital to conduct research for the best treatments and cures for koala diseases, to conserve the species.

  1. Koala Chlamydiosis
    Chlamydiosis is a common disease among koalas. In fact, nearly 50% of the koalas admitted to rehabilitation centers are for chlamydiosis. The disease may be life-threatening and is capable of bringing about blindness, infertility and pneumonia. Thus research in this incapacitating disease is necessary in the work of koala conservation.Wildlife Warriors has collaborated with Queensland University of Technology, University of Sydney and the University of Queensland in search of the most effective treatment for chlamydiosis disease. This includes researching on the role of the koala retrovirus (KoRV) in the development of chlamydial disease, and to discover more indicative symptoms of the disease to guide clinicians in diagnosing koalas.
  2. Koala Retrovirus
    Koala Retrovirus (KoRV) is deemed a “deadly” virus as it typically causes fatal diseases like chlamydiosis, leukemia and immunodeficiency syndrome. This virus common in both captive and wild koalas, compromises their long-term survival.Thus, Wildlife Warriors was spurred to carry out research on the role of KoRV in consequent related diseases, together with the University of Queensland.