Glencore Koala Enclosure Opening
The big wet of the “Monster Monsoon” delayed the official opening by a couple of weeks but, the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital finally got to open the new Glencore Koala Rehabilitation Enclosure on February 25th.
Funding for the new enclosure came from a big contribution from Glencore and many donations from the local community.
From its inception, the enclosure has had many people involved to bring it to completion. Lorna Hempstead and MICDA were very instrumental as well as planners, volunteers, designers, architects and engineers.
The new enclosure means that the Koalas will have more room to move around and practice their jumping and climbing skills.
The Koalas must be fed fresh leaves daily and their enclosure cleaned daily. Once they reach a goal weight of 3kg they are released back into the wild.
Koalas are considered a “vulnerable species” and were first brought to Magnetic Island in the 1930’s to give them a home where they would be safe, and their numbers could multiply. The greatest risks to the islands Koala population are cars, dog attacks and dehydration in the summer.
The official opening was well attended by locals, representatives from Glencore and Sealink and a live interview via direct link with The Dodo. Pat Trewin was also there with her gorgeous hand made Koala beanies for sale with proceeds going to the Koala Hospital.
Ali, Tim and Izzy Bee do an amazing job rescuing and rehabilitating injured, sick and orphaned Koalas on Magnetic Island and are fully self-funded, receiving no government funding so community support is very important.
If you would like to help support the Koala hospital you can find money collection boxes at several places including the Presto Coffee Cart at the ferry terminal and at Magnetic Adventure & Hire.
Ali also has a go fund me page set up and you can access this on the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital Facebook page or go to https://www.gofundme.com/magnetic-a-island-koala-hospital/?live
For all Koala rescue please contact Ali on 0428 785 488 or Jay on 0405 677 454.
Onshore Fishing
Dale has been away, so only a short fishing report for you this week, but you can look forward to a more in-depth report next week.
There have been decent sized Queenies being caught at West Point on live bait, mullet or gar. Nice prawns are still plentiful in the mangroves, as are Mangrove Jack. Plenty of Barra up to a metre in the harbour under the pontoons and the muddies are still doing well from Cockle Bay to West Point.
Matt B scored a nice 42cm Mangrove Jack in Cockle Bay on the weekend and Anaru landed an awesome 55cm Golden Trevally on a lure at West Point. Golden Trevally are a fabulous inshore species that are a favourite of light tackle and sports anglers. They are a beautiful looking fish and great fighters when hooked.
Ryan Hugo and Clarry come in with their catch of a Trevally caught off a pilchard near the City of Adelaide and a great mud crab caught at Cockle Bay. Well done boys.
Remember, “To the world it may be just one fish but to me it is the World”
Until next time gone Fishin’…. be back dark-thirty
Cheers Janie (for Dale)
Magnetic Adventure & Hire/MI Rentals
36 Mandalay Ave, Nelly Bay 4778-5126
FOR ALL OF YOUR FISHING AND WATERSPORTS HIRE GEAR.
We sell the BIGGEST and BEST range of fishing rods & tackle, spear fishing equipment, snorkel gear, bait, boating and automotive needs, gift & party supplies, helium balloons, pool toys & bike accessories. We also have bike hire, car hire, electric bike hire plus our HUGE lolly wall and convenience supplies. Check out Kooler 24-hour Ice 7kg $5.