Laura Leaf, a koala who was rescued, was the last patient to receive surgery at Currumbin wildlife hospital before it closed to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Alfred. However, after undergoing emergency abdominal surgery, Laura Leaf required round-the-clock care, which could not be provided in the hospital’s intensive care unit that was about to be closed.

Mallory Wilson, a nursing supervisor at the hospital, came to the rescue by offering a spare room in her Nerang home to be transformed into a makeshift ICU for Laura Leaf. Although it was a downgrade from the hospital, Wilson was able to protect Laura Leaf from the elements.

Many non-urgent patients at the hospital were sent to volunteer carers in the community, mostly from the charity Wildcare Australia, to seek refuge from the cyclonic winds and heavy rains.

Laura Leaf had contracted chlamydia, which led to her being brought to the hospital by Wires, a rescue organization. She was found on the ground in the Gold Coast hinterland area of Guanaba.

For three nights, Laura Leaf stayed in Wilson’s home, where she received pain medication and intravenous fluids. Wilson also ensured that the koala had a fresh supply of eucalypt leaves. Even when the power was out for a couple of hours, Wilson had a backup plan to continue providing care.

Dr. Michael Pyne, the senior veterinarian at the hospital, emphasized the need for round-the-clock care and close monitoring for Laura Leaf’s major intestinal issues.

Laura Leaf and the possum she shared the spare room with were readmitted to the hospital on Saturday and are currently recovering well. However, Cyclone Alfred has resulted in an influx of new arrivals, with over 50 animals already admitted and many more expected. The hospital has launched an emergency appeal for funding to provide care for the displaced animals.

The hospital advises the public to bring injured wildlife directly to the hospital if it is safe to do so, but warns against approaching snakes or flying foxes and risking their own safety while helping animals.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/11/when-cyclone-alfred-forced-a-wildlife-hospital-to-close-this-rescue-koala-found-a-new-place-to-recuperate