
This is a history of the Myall Koala and Environment Group’s knowledge of iconic local koala “Princess” who may be the last surviving member of the endangered Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens koala population.
Our first experience with her was on 30th November 2009 when Gail & Ian Morphett were called out to a disoriented baby koala at 4 Karthena Crescent, Hawks Nest (-32.662807, 152.171947). The housing estate in this area is known locally as Swan Bay. Gail & Ian Morphett were the Myall Coast koala rescuers from 2006 to 2018 licensed to the Native Animal Trust Fund (NATF). The baby was captured and taken to Koalas in Care, Taree because the NATF koala carers were away on holidays at the time. The baby was dehydrated and undernourished and despite gaining some weight, died on 2nd December. Koalas in Care asked us to capture the mother so she could have a health check. On 1st December we captured her using a fence and trap around the base of the large Swamp Mahogany she was in. The residents at the property chose to name her “Princess”. Koalas in Care checked her over, found she was healthy, put a green NPWS ear-tag in her right ear and returned her to Hawks Nest
Our first experience with her was on 30th November 2009 when Gail & Ian Morphett were called out to a disoriented baby koala at 4 Karthena Crescent, Hawks Nest (-32.662807, 152.171947). The housing estate in this area is known locally as Swan Bay. Gail & Ian Morphett were the Myall Coast koala rescuers from 2006 to 2018 licensed to the Native Animal Trust Fund (NATF). The baby was captured and taken to Koalas in Care, Taree because the NATF koala carers were away on holidays at the time. The baby was dehydrated and undernourished and despite gaining some weight, died on 2nd December. Koalas in Care asked us to capture the mother so she could have a health check. On 1st December we captured her using a fence and trap around the base of the large Swamp Mahogany she was in. The residents at the property chose to name her “Princess”. Koalas in Care checked her over, found she was healthy, put a green NPWS ear-tag in her right ear and returned her to Hawks Nest
As the baby was about a year old, it was probably born in, say November 2008. As females are not sexually mature until 18-24 months old, we assume that the mother, Princess, was born no later than November 2006. That would make her 15-16 years old in March 2022.
Princess has had at least two additional babies that we are aware of:
Since the original sighting, there have been numerous ones of Princess, mainly confirmed by the tag in her right ear. She is the only koala in Hawks Nest with an ear tag.
Princess has had at least two additional babies that we are aware of:
- In the spring of 2011, she was seen carrying a back baby on the corner of Koonwarra Drive and Monterra Avenue, Hawks Nest
- In June 2016 I was called out to a very small, furred baby at 3 Karthena Crescent, Hawks Nest, who appeared to have been abandoned by her mother (“Princess”) who was in a tree above the baby. I left the baby and the mother alone for some hours but Mum refused to collect “Louise”. I took “Louise” to Hunter Koala Preservation Society carers who were responsible for caring at that time. Louise seemed to be doing well in care for some weeks and doubled in weight. However, she died suddenly overnight one night.
Since the original sighting, there have been numerous ones of Princess, mainly confirmed by the tag in her right ear. She is the only koala in Hawks Nest with an ear tag.
As of 19th March 2022, Princess has been in care at the Port Stephens Koala Hospital following her rescue from Koonwarra Drive, Hawks Nest by current koala rescuer Glenn Stephenson. A local resident reported she was on the ground and appeared to be injured.
Koala Hospital President Ron Land reported that Princess is doing better since being admitted. She is receiving treatment and supplementary feeding.
On 20th March the Koala Group members the Streamers and Maddens visited the Koala Hospital for a tour and to see how Princess was fairing. She is improving and starting to eat with supplements and is being kept in her own enclosure. She is being treated for dehydration and chlamydia and is expected to keep improving to the point of being released within weeks. The hospital takes DNA swabs of all their patients and send them on to Sydney Uni to be kept on a database.
Ron Land advised on 23rd March that Princess has graduated to an outside yard with a tree so she can climb if she wants. She is going ok.
Ron Land advised on 7th April that Princess is still doing well and he expects to release her in a couple of weeks.
Koala Hospital President Ron Land reported that Princess is doing better since being admitted. She is receiving treatment and supplementary feeding.
On 20th March the Koala Group members the Streamers and Maddens visited the Koala Hospital for a tour and to see how Princess was fairing. She is improving and starting to eat with supplements and is being kept in her own enclosure. She is being treated for dehydration and chlamydia and is expected to keep improving to the point of being released within weeks. The hospital takes DNA swabs of all their patients and send them on to Sydney Uni to be kept on a database.
Ron Land advised on 23rd March that Princess has graduated to an outside yard with a tree so she can climb if she wants. She is going ok.
Ron Land advised on 7th April that Princess is still doing well and he expects to release her in a couple of weeks.