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Learn about koalas
Koala and wildlife education
Sharing our knowledge to protect koalas and native wildlife – and encourage care and careers
Learn about koalas and life at our hospital
We believe that caring for and protecting koalas, native wildlife and the landscapes they call home starts with understanding them.
From free group talks and local school presentations to on-site work experience and placements here at our hospital in Port Stephens, New South Wales, we share what we know in practical, engaging and accessible ways.
Our community talks cover local koalas, the threats they face, and what happens inside the hospital, while our education team delivers curriculum-linked school sessions in classrooms and online.
School and university students interested in or entering veterinary and wildlife care can enjoy placements that provide real exposure to a working wildlife hospital and the day-to-day responsibilities of caring for sick and injured native animals.
All programs are run by our specialist staff and highly experienced and trained koala and wildlife rehabilitator volunteers and are provided free of charge. We welcome donations or support through our shop, with every contribution going directly back into the care of the animals in our hospital.
Community group talks
We love getting out into the community. On request, our team can present to your group about local koalas, the threats they face, and what life looks like inside the hospital. Sessions run 30–40 minutes and are brought to life with real photography and video.
School presentations
From preschool to Year 12, we bring koalas into the classroom – in person, on screen or via Zoom. Our education team delivers engaging, curriculum-linked presentations tailored to each age group, designed to inform and inspire the next generation of wildlife advocates.
Learn about koalas
Koala facts and education
Want to know more about our precious Australian animals, koala bears (they’re not actually bears)? From how they got their name to what they eat and the challenges they face in the wild, there’s plenty to discover.
Did you know?
Koalas (whose Latin name is Phascolarctos cinereus) eat up to one kilogram of eucalyptus leaves a day, depending on their size. Koalas rarely drink water.
Did you know?
In breeding season, male koalas make deep, guttural bellowing calls (sounds like a snorting snore) to attract mates. Female koalas make the same noise, but much less often.
Did you know?
Chlamydia is a common disease in wild koalas that can cause serious health problems, including eye infections and infertility.
School work experience
A passion for wildlife and a placement at Port Stephens Koala Hospital – it could be the start of something special. Get practical experience caring for koalas and other native animals and see firsthand what it takes to run a working wildlife hospital and research centre.
Duke of Edinburgh placements
We offer a limited number of Duke of Edinburgh placement opportunities for students completing their award at any one time. Get in touch to check availability and find out more.
University placements
Studying for a degree in animal care, veterinary science or conservation? A placement with us offers invaluable hands-on experience working alongside our dedicated team of veterinarians, vet nurses, carers and volunteers.
TAFE placements
We are pleased to offer a limited number of placement opportunities for students completing a Certificate II or Certificate III in Animal Care. If you’re passionate about wildlife and would like to gain valuable hands-on experience with our team, please complete the application form and we’ll be in touch if we can accommodate your placement.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) – wildlife education
No. Our koala and wildlife education programs are free of charge. As a not-for-profit, we welcome optional donations or support through our shop, which all goes directly back into the care of our native animals.
Our community group talks run for around 30–40 minutes, with time for questions at the end. Our school presentations also last 30-40 minutes, depending on the age group.
No. Sessions are delivered at local schools and community venues, with online options available for schools and groups outside the Port Stephens, Hunter and Newcastle region, from Queensland to South Australia and Eastern Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
No. For the welfare of our precious wildlife, we don’t bring koalas to community or school presentation sessions. Our programs use real photos and video from the hospital and enclosed eucalyptus forests where our resident koalas live to share their stories safely and responsibly. Our ethos is #StayWild – minimal handling helps us return this precious endangered species to the bush where we can.
Work experience placements are for one week. University placements are typically one week, but other opportunities will be considered. TAFE and other tertiary placements vary depending on course requirements and are arranged in line with study needs and availability.
You can request a talk or placement through our online enquiry forms for community groups, schools, work experience or student placements. Once submitted, our team will be in touch.
