Suzuki Queensland and Northern Rivers NSW (Suzuki QLD) has provided new vehicles to Endeavour Veterinary Ecology (EVE) to support their mission of conserving koala populations across Queensland, including a “Koala Shuttle” that will play a vital role in delivering koala patients directly from the wild into emergency care.
With over 140 patients assisted by this leading koala ecology service in the past 12 months, and an average of 50 wild koala health exams conducted each week, these new vehicles will be crucial in transporting sick and injured koalas from the wild to EVE’s purpose-built koala hospitals. These hospitals focus on providing specialised veterinary care to at-risk populations across Southeast Queensland.
Suzuki QLD Marketing Manager, Jake Tobin, recently handed over the keys to the S-Cross Koala Shuttle and Suzuki Jimnys, and highlighted the impact of the rescue vehicles.
“We are proud to initiate such an important partnership with a pioneering Queensland business dedicated to protecting and conserving wildlife,” said Jake.
“Teaming up with a classic Aussie small business enterprise like EVE is an opportunity for us at Suzuki Queensland to reconnect with some of our brand’s core values. Aside from being an Australian icon, the koala is without a doubt known for its durability, while the team at EVE are a true reflection of a supplier that provides smart solutions with world-beating technology, who are also uniquely passionate about their cause. Some might say that the koala’s ‘sleepy’ nature is also a close link to the supreme fuel efficiency of our Suzuki range of vehicles. Being a family-owned, Queensland-born and bred company, we take pride in supporting other local businesses taking on the world, one saved koala at a time.”
Michael Hornby, CEO of EVE, expressed his gratitude for Suzuki QLD’s support.
“Endeavour Veterinary Ecology’s koala health and management team is on the road traversing difficult terrain, seven days a week, responding to various koala interventions. We are delivering real results, reversing population decline in areas where koalas were previously on an extinction trajectory,” Hornby said.
“Since launching this service in 2009, EVE has been at the forefront of koala conservation, intensively monitoring and managing the health program of over 1,500 koalas. Our extensive knowledge of koala biology and ecology, combined with award-winning wildlife technology, allows us to provide the highest quality of treatment and care to every patient, including those now transported by the vehicles provided by Suzuki Queensland.”
Hornby continued, “A unique feature of our work is not only delivering results for koala populations, but our veterinary capabilities ensure that every koala counts—each koala has a name and a health record like Abbey. Thanks to Suzuki QLD’s support, our team can swiftly respond and transport precious cargo like Abbey.”
Abbey, a new patient in care, is suffering from paraovarian cysts, a common symptom of chlamydia, a disease tragically affecting many koalas in the wild. Endeavour Veterinary Ecology is providing specialised treatment and around-the-clock care to help Abbey. She will remain in care until she makes a full recovery and will be transported back to the wild safely and comfortably, thanks to Suzuki QLD.
This partnership underscores the vital role that corporate support plays in wildlife conservation, ensuring that organisations like Endeavour Veterinary Ecology can continue their critical work in protecting Queensland’s beloved koalas.