Koality feed for Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary koalas

Hoagie the hungry is one of 10 koalas rescued from the blue gum plantations of Kangaroo Island, that are feasting on Tasmanian Blue Gum leaves sourced from Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve, thanks to a partnership between SA Water and Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary.

The koalas were transported to Warrawong in 2021 as part of a breeding program to ensure their long-term survival.

The Tasmanian eucalyptus species provides a familiar food to the Island-born animals – however, this particular eucalyptus species isn't native to South Australia.

Co-owner of Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary David Cobbold said before coming across the Mount Bold plantation by chance, the team scoured the Adelaide Hills area by day and spent nights zooming into street level views of online maps trying to source a steady supply of the feed to sustain their 10 koalas.

“I happened to drive past the Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve and noticed an abundance of the silvery blue Tasmanian Blue Gum growing there,” said David.

“It was koala heaven, we contacted SA Water and almost immediately established a win/win partnership, whereby they would set aside an area for us to harvest the invasive blue gums, and our harvesting would help SA Water with weed control.

"They're happy, we're happy and the koalas are extremely happy. It is a massive relief to have this collaboration with SA Water - we're like kids in a eucalyptus candy shop.”

SA Water Senior Land and Fire Management Officer Damian Stam said after the Cherry Gardens Bushfire in 2021, the Tasmanian Blue Gum quickly sprouted and spread throughout the Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve, which given it's a weed, became problematic.

“If these plants aren't managed, they can out-compete native vegetation, including threatened species,” said Damian.

“We are undertaking weed management in other sections of the reservoir reserve, but we set aside an area of the blue gums and support Warrawong team members to come in and cut the branches as needed.

“The Warrawong team come around three times a week and take about a ute’s worth of leaves at a time.

"Volunteers and workers at Warrawong are so passionate about the koalas and it is an absolute pleasure to work with the team to provide a sustainable source of food for these iconic marsupials.”

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