MidCoast Council's Bootawa koala research program has yielded some fantastic results especially for one koala nicknamed Drake.
Drake was caught along with 37 other koalas when Council partnered with The University of Sydney's Koala Health Hub team to conduct the research program in 2025.
When caught, Drake was in poor condition, tested positive for chlamydia, had developed wet bottom and weighed only six kilograms.
Drake was sent to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital for care.
Council's Koala Project Officer, Caitlin Orr said there were some early concerns about whether the sick koala would pull through.
"By all accounts he was a bit of a difficult patient," she said.
"He often refused to take his medication but after a few weeks he settled down and responded well to treatments.
"But then he went backwards again after coming down with a fungal infection."
But, after four-and-a-half months, Council received the call that Drake had improved so much he was ready to be released.
"He was much happier and tested negative for chlamydia," Ms Orr said.
"He was in much better spirits and when released at the same tree he was captured at he climbed straight up into the canopy for a feed which is a great sign."
Staff will continue to keep an eye on Drake to make sure he continues to do well.
