Port Stephens Koalas has suffered a tragic blow, with the death of Patu, the first joey to be born at the facility and a great hope of its breeding program.
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Patu died on Wednesday afternoon. He was almost two years old.
"It's been a body blow," said Ron Land, the chief executive officer of Port Stephens Koalas. "He's had such an impact on all of our personnel here. The sorrow's just profound right across the board."
Patu's death has come less than a week after the official opening of the upgraded $10-million koala sanctuary and hospital at One Mile.
Patu, a Wonnarua word meaning "water", came into the world with the odds against him. His mother, Eila, was pregnant when she was badly burnt in the 2018 Mambo Wetlands bushfire and was brought in for critical care at the hospital.
"He was born here, and he was such a cheeky little individual growing up, you couldn't help but take a shine to him," Mr Land said.
Erica Johnstone, the deputy curator at Port Stephens Koalas, said Patu was "strong" and had been destined to play a major role in the facility's conservation breeding program, to try and ensure the local population's future.
"Young, healthy breeding koalas are really rare in a hospital," Ms Johnstone said.
In early August, the young koala didn't seem himself. The carers became aware Patu had been bitten by a paralysis tick.
"We're still not completely certain, but we are of the view that the paralysis tick triggered an underlying problem," Mr Land said.
Patu's condition deteriorated, as his kidneys struggled. He was in the hospital's intensive care unit and was nursed at home by Ms Johnstone. Patu spent the final weeks of his life being cared for around the clock by Ron and Marion Land in their home.
On Wednesday, the hospital's veterinary team tried to save Patu, as he suffered renal failure. The Lands were present, hoping for a miracle. It wasn't to be.
A heartbroken Mr Land buried Patu's body in the hospital grounds, planting a "Just Joey" rose where he lies.
"He's actually buried within 20 metres of the yard where he was born,' Mr Land said. "It's where he first saw the world, from his mother's pouch."
Out of respect for Patu, and for the sake of the local koala population, the breeding program is likely to begin in the next week or so.
The team has identified another breeding male at the facility, Solstice, who is about six years old.
"He's going to step up to the mark," said Ms Johnstone.
One of the koalas Solstice is expected to mate with is Eila, Patu's mother.
Mr Land said it was vital for the breeding program to begin.
"We just can't afford to let any time go by," he said. "We must start this breeding program, because unless we do start producing healthy progeny from the koalas we've got here on site, the local population is just going to disappear."
Patu may be gone, but for the staff and 147 volunteers at Port Stephens Koalas, the little marsupial remains with them.
"Patu's going to play a role in this facility for years to come," Mr Land said.
"No one is ever going to forget Patu."
