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0:00:26 > 0:00:29- This is one of Australia's - most popular places...
0:00:30 > 0:00:32- ..the Gold Coast.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- This is where thousands - of people visit every year...
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- ..to enjoy the natural resources.
0:00:39 > 0:00:40- This is also home...
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- ..to one of the continent's - unique creatures, the koala.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- During the week, - I'll be monitoring the koala...
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- ..in an area - to the south of Brisbane.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- The area has seen - a large increase...
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- ..in its human population - in recent years.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04- Consequently, specific areas have - been earmarked for the koalas...
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- ..such as Daisy Hill Forest.
0:01:06 > 0:01:12- The Daisy Hill Koala Centre - was opened in 1955.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- It's funded by the government - and it's supported...
0:01:16 > 0:01:21- ..by volunteers who help out - on a day-to-day basis.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- Ten permanent staff...
0:01:24 > 0:01:28- ..work in the area's conservation - headquarters in the forest.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- One of the busiest services - is the koala ambulance.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- It's on call 24 hours a day.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- Let the animal bite it.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- It grabs you - but doesn't penetrate the skin.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- They bite around the fingers - let - them bite, then slip your hand out.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47- Vicky is one - of the centre's characters.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52- She's a nurse by profession, but - after working as a volunteer here...
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- ..she decided to concentrate - on nursing koalas.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- Every day, - after being out in the ambulance...
0:01:59 > 0:02:01- ..we have to wash the vehicle...
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- ..and make sure - we're ready for the next call.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08- That's what we're doing - at the moment.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- It was a busy day yesterday. - There's a lot of mess to clean up.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- We're getting ready - just in case the phone rings.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- I wish I knew what you said.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- Before Queensland's - population grew...
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- ..these native animals - had more freedom...
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- ..to come and go as they pleased.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- Here, the koalas - are a threatened species...
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- ..although the koala population - in other areas...
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- ..is far more established.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42- The centre gives the public - an opportunity...
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- ..to get very close to koalas.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- They also learn - about the problems koalas face...
0:02:49 > 0:02:53- ..in an area that's changed - dramatically in recent years.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- They get used to their surroundings - quickly, and even Storm...
0:02:59 > 0:03:04- ..who was reared in captivity, - is eager to claim his own corner.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- He has a scent gland on his chest...
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- ..and he rubs it on the tree - to mark his territory.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- The forest around the centre - has been earmarked...
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- ..as a habitat - to care for koalas in the wild.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33- They are nocturnal creatures. - They barely move during the day.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- To be honest, - they barely move at night, either!
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- They spend 20 hours a day - sleeping or resting.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- The rest of the time is taken up - eating eucalyptus leaves.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- Back inside, in his own - little corner, Storm is fed daily.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- It's quite a task finding enough - leaves to satisfy his appetite.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00- He's hungry!
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- There you go.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- Do you like that?
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- Koalas eat half a kilo of leaves - every day.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14- Enough to fill two plastic - shopping bags from the supermarket.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- The parts they like the best - are the buds...
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- ..the parts at the end of the twig.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21- There you go.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- Koala is an aboriginal word.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- It means 'no drink'.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- Koalas don't drink.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- They get 90% of their water - from the eucalyptus leaves.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- They only drink when they're ill - or during the dry season.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- Don't you?
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- Here's a nice little piece for you!
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- These leaves are very hard - and are also full of toxins.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- Since this is the only food - they eat...
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- ..the koala's digestive system - is very special.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- After satisfying his appetite...
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- ..Storm sets off for a rest - until the next meal.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- The educational side - is very important.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- The centre is very popular - with the public.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- Daily walks give the wardens - an opportunity...
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- ..to show visitors some - of Australia's native wildlife.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- Koalas look like teddy bears...
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- ..but these creatures - can be quite vicious.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- They could cause injury - with their sharp nails and teeth.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51- They're not bears, even though - some people call them koala bears.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- They are marsupials - - animals which rear their young...
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- ..in a pouch on their stomach, - just like kangaroos and wallabies.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- They are very excitable, and - this causes serious health problems.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- There are constant problems...
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- ..especially during - the pairing and breeding period.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- There's a koala - in the back of the ambulance.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- It needs to be taken - to the Moggill Hospital.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- While we're at the hospital...
0:06:24 > 0:06:26- ..we need to pick up two koalas...
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- ..that are ready - to be released back into the wild.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- Ready to go.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- Beyond the tranquillity - of Daisy Hill Forest...
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- ..the problem facing koalas - is very evident.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- A large proportion of the animals - brought to Moggill...
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- ..have collided with cars - on the network of busy roads.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- Many don't reach the hospital alive.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- Anything on this side to pull out?
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- You can have that one. - One off the highway.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- Oh, this one's dead.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- This one's dead. - He was knocked over on the road.
0:07:11 > 0:07:12- Sad, isn't it?
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- The roads are a danger - to other creatures, too.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- This is our little possum - we picked up this morning.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- Do you want me to grab one?
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- You can take the possum. - It's not as heavy as the koala.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- OK, let's go.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- Koalas are the most - regular visitors here...
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- ..but the hospital treats - other animals from time to time.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- Through here to the treatment room.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- Vicky makes this journey - at least three times a week.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- Staff are on hand - to give the newest arrival...
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- ..a thorough examination.
0:07:51 > 0:07:58- Someone phoned the centre to tell - them they had a koala in the garden.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03- She has a problem with her eyes. - She's contracted conjunctivitis.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- And chlamydia, too.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- As you can see, - her nose is bleeding.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- She doesn't look very healthy.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- This koala has had an injection - to sedate her.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- It also makes - the examination far easier.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- She's got a fairly mature pouch.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- There's no sign of anything - in there recently.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- She's got severe conjunctivitis.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- She could be blind in that eye.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- So that means...
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- She's not coming back.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- Unfortunately, this koala - has contracted chlamydia.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- She's also suffering - from conjunctivitis...
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- ..which has caused her to go blind.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- They've checked for any cysts - on her ovaries.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- Unfortunately, they detected some.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- There's no point - returning her to the wild.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- She can't reproduce.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- She's very poorly.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- The kindest thing to do now - is to put her down.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- OK, we'll grab our travellers - and we'll be ready to go.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- I've heard some news - which has raised my spirits.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- 40% of the koalas - that arrive here...
0:09:49 > 0:09:54- ..are treated successfully - and are returned to the wild.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- We have two koalas here - which are healthy and ready to go.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- Bit stiff yesterday, wasn't it?
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- There you go.
0:10:05 > 0:10:06- In you pop.
0:10:07 > 0:10:08- Thank you.
0:10:09 > 0:10:10- Off we go.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- Returning to the wild - in this part of Queensland...
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- ..means back to people's gardens - or public parks.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- This is the only habitat - available to koalas.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- Koalas tend to stay in one place...
0:10:28 > 0:10:33- ..so it's important to return them - to the area they were found.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- They're very sensitive and when - they return to a familiar place...
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- ..the risk of developing - further problems is decreased.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- A bit too much climbing!
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- When they've been in hospital, - they're not as strong as they were.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- Having reached the garden - where the koala was found...
0:10:56 > 0:11:01- ..three weeks earlier, - Vicky heads for his favourite tree.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- There's no place like home!
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- Hey, lucky boy.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- When you let him out, - just take the leaf.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- Lift it up, lift the leaf.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- Up you go.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- It didn't take him long - to get back up there.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- He looks very happy.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- All that's left now - is for you to clean the dirty cage.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- I get the best jobs!
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- That was a really nice moment.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- It's nice to have a happy story.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- He's looking around - and eating more leaves!
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- We actually missed him.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- For the three weeks he was away, - we missed him.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- If they hadn't brought him back, - we would have complained.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- With one koala happy - in his own tree once more...
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- ..Vicky receives a call to pick - another one up in a nearby garden.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- They have very sharp nails.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- They might look - sweet and innocent...
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- ..but they can seriously injure you.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- Wait a minute.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- Anything comes in handy - when you're catching a koala.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- A combination of a fishing net and - a washing basket did the job here.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- Nobody in their right mind - would try and caress them.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- There you are. Alright?
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- As they said goodbye - to their koala...
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- ..the owners of this house - are also eager...
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- ..to see him return - once he's treated.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- Lovely, thank you very much.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Easy is easy.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- It doesn't finish there. - We've got to do the paperwork.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- Paperwork?!
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- OK?
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- OK?- - There's no escape from paperwork!
0:13:36 > 0:13:36- 888
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- 888- - 888
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- 20 miles down the road - from Daisy Hill...
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- ..is the Fleays Wildlife Park...
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- ..which gives people - an opportunity to learn more...
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- ..about some of Australia's icons.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- David Fleays was a prominent - naturalist in Australia.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- The park is testimony - to his conservation efforts.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- There are all sorts - of creatures here...
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- ..but the koala - receives the most attention.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- The current staff are developing - new schemes all the time.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- As well as being a public park...
0:14:20 > 0:14:24- ..this place - also leads the way in research.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- New projects - are constantly being undertaken.
0:14:27 > 0:14:33- With the koala population under - threat in South East Queensland...
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- ..the breeding scheme - is very important here.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- You can take any male - and any female and they'll breed.
0:14:43 > 0:14:48- The males aren't fussy - the females - can be a bit picky and choosy.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- We're always a bit more choosy - than the males.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56- Since the animals in the park - are genetically similar...
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- ..to animals - that live wild in the area...
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- ..they'll be able - to release koalas...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- ..born here in the future - into the wild.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- In captivity, - they learn to live with each other.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- Scientists are also - developing an AI scheme...
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- ..which will go a long way to - prevent stress in the koala's life.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- If the scheme is a success...
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- ..the animals won't have - to be moved in the future...
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- ..to breed in other areas.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- The opportunity to teach visitors - about the koala's predicament...
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- ..is just as important - as the research work.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- The success - of any conservation scheme...
0:15:41 > 0:15:46- ..is dependent on securing - the co-operation of local residents.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- The biggest threat to the koala - is the loss of its habitat.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- The population of South East - Queensland will increase 2% in 2005.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- This means that 85,000 people - will move into the area.
0:16:02 > 0:16:07- On the positive side, the government - has introduced guidelines...
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- ..to safeguard wildlife land - in the area.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- The eucalyptus tree - is home to the koala...
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- ..and it's also - an important source of food.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22- Even though there are 600 - different varieties of the tree...
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- ..the koala will only feed - from 10% of them.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- They're very fussy!
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- It's important that the food...
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- ..collected for the koala - at this centre is fresh.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- Dried leaves are useless...
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- ..since the koala - gets its water from leaves.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- Finding enough leaves - can be a problem.
0:16:43 > 0:16:49- Strict rules are followed in centres - which keep koalas in captivity.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54- Believe it or not, at least 1,000 - eucalyptus trees are needed...
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- ..to sustain one koala.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- This plantation conforms - to the government's requirements.
0:17:01 > 0:17:07- 15,000 trees are looked after as - carefully as the koalas themselves.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- These leaves are extremely hard...
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- ..and difficult to digest.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19- It's no surprise that koalas - chew their food 16,000 times a day.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- That's why koalas don't live - for more than 12 years in the wild.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- Their teeth wear away quickly - due to all the chewing.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- Without teeth, - there's not much hope for them.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- Koalas in captivity - are spoilt with the best leaves...
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- ..and they're expected to live - three or four years longer.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- The last job for us - as we leave the park...
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- ..is to distribute the leaves - for the next meal.
0:17:48 > 0:17:49- Some fresh food!
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- Very fresh!
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- With our week in Queensland - almost over...
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- ..we returned to a special location.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- We're back - at Moggill Koala Hospital.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- We were here earlier in the week - with the ambulance.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- We're back to take a closer look - at the hospital.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16- The hospital relies on 60 volunteers - to look after the patients...
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- ..365 days a year.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- Eye diseases and cystitis - are the main problems.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- Hygiene is very important - in the unit...
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- ..which treats infectious diseases.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- Koalas receive - the best treatment here...
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- ..although not all patients - are happy with their lot.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- The injury unit is isolated - to prevent the spread of disease.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- This poor koala was bitten by a dog.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- Unfortunately, they had to amputate - one of his hind legs.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- Had he lost a front leg, he - wouldn't be able to climb any more.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- When he's strong enough...
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- ..he'll be ready - to return to the wild.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- He's trying to climb.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- And he's doing very well.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- It shows you - how strong their arms...
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- ..and their front legs are.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- Today, over in the main building...
0:19:25 > 0:19:29- ..Alan, the vet, and - the hospital's permanent staff...
0:19:29 > 0:19:35- ..have some good news for me as - they examine their newest patient.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- This little koala was found - on the road this morning.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- He'd been involved - in a car accident.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- They think they can treat him.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- It's going to take some time.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- They've placed a chip in him.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- That's the size of the chip.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- It's very small.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- They'll be able to track him - when he's released into the wild.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- The likelihood is - he'll be fine after some treatment.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- They've given me the honour - of naming him.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- I'm not sure what I should call him.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- I think I'll call him Guinness, - after my dog!
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- There's a Guinness - out in Australia, too!
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- While the staff prepare the - intensive care unit for Guinness...
0:20:29 > 0:20:34- ..I move next door and find - the sweetest thing I've ever seen.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- Look at him!
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- When they find dead female koalas - on the road...
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- ..they always look in the pouch - in case there's a Joey in there.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- That's how they found this one.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- He will now be reared - by the hospital's staff...
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- ..until he's old enough and strong - enough to return to the forest.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- The next step for this Joey, - in six months' time...
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- ..is to move outside - to a more natural habitat.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- In the nursery department here...
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- ..they teach little koalas - to become independent.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- They also prepare them for the wild.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- Once the staff are happy...
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- ..the final step - is releasing them into the wild.
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- Deirdre makes sure that - they're able to cope on their own.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- Every koala wears a special collar - during the first stages of freedom.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- This makes it easier - to track their movements.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56- Is that him there?
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- Is that him there?- - Yip, that could be him.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- This koala has been free - for three months.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- He's settled well - in his old habitat in the park.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- Regular tracking shows - that he's claimed a patch...
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- ..that offers a lot - of variety to him.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- His future in the wild - looks very promising.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- Do you wanna have a look?
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- Do you wanna have a look?- - Yeah, I'll see if he's healthy.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- The work carried out at - Moggill Hospital and Daisy Hill...
0:22:25 > 0:22:30- ..plays an important part in - reintroducing koalas into the wild.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- The results of Deirdre's research - is very encouraging...
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- ..and shows that 50% of the koalas - released into the wild...
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- ..manage to live successfully - in their natural habitat.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03- Next week, I'm up close and personal - with another Australian animal.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10- As you can see, - this crocodile isn't very happy.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- I don't blame him...
0:23:12 > 0:23:17- ..but he's making things - slightly difficult for us!
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- It's a little bit frightening.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- S4C subtitles by Rh Sion Morgan