WILLIAM the koala has returned to the forest, but are his days in the wild numbered?

William was spotted in an extremely poor condition with conjunctivitis at Bellbird Park by a local.

He was taken into the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital where the seven-year-old received extensive veterinary care for chlamydial conjunctivitis, hemoabdomen and cystitis.

After more than a week in hospital, he was transferred to Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre to continue his recuperation.

“And after a long and slow recovery, he is now strong and healthy, but William’s release back into the wild this week is bittersweet,” an RSPCA spokeswoman said.

“But his forest home may not be there for much longer because Woogaroo Forest is marked for development.”

William was one of three koalas brought into RSPCA care from the same area at the end of 2024.

Maximus the koala arrived at the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital a week before and Morgan Treeman arrived in October.

“This vital wildlife habitat, an area Queensland Government itself identifies as core koala bushland and part of a critical wildlife corridor, is currently at risk from four urban development proposals, proposals that threaten over 150 hectares of forest, much of it core koala habitat, but also home to echidnas, gliders, platypus and numerous bird species,” the RSPCA spokeswoman said.

“Sadly, William is just one story.

“Every year, deforestation in Queensland and NSW results in injury, displacement, or death of up to 100 million native animals, including approximately 1,200 koalas.

“RSPCA Queensland stands behind the local community who are doing everything they can to shine a light on the true value of Woogaroo Forest, not just for koalas, but for all wildlife and future generations.

“The community’s passion and determination has been inspiring and we encourage everyone to stand with them.”