IF you haven’t done your Christmas shopping yet, you can’t go past supporting an iconic species by purchasing merchandise that funds the care of koalas in need in the Port Stephens region.

Port Stephens Koala Hospital is located within the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.

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The hospital is a not-for-profit which is run mostly by volunteers.

Port Stephens Koala Hospital Volunteer CEO Leah Anderson told News Of The Area, “We are still able to take a donation via Return and Earn so your Christmas cheer can support the local koala population when you recycle.

“We have some new merchandise items including gift cards, a tote bag and tea towels featuring Maree (Maree is in care as she is blind), or of course you can adopt a koala.”

You can find the Port Stephens Koala Hospital merchandise on their website.

Port Stephens Koala Hospital is a totally separate operation to the Sanctuary which includes glamping, sculptures and the skywalk.

The hospital is there to rescue, rehabilitate and, wherever possible, release the koalas that come into care.

“We have the best koala vet in the country, two veterinary nurses and a head leafer.”

The Port Stephens Koala Hospital relies on 180 community volunteers.

Some work in the pens, others go out and collect a selection of leaves for the koalas.

Leaves are collected every other day and supplied to the koalas fresh daily.

The hospital is seeking funding to embark on and participate in koala breeding programs.

They are already working closely with Taronga Zoo and Newcastle University and they envisage that they will be working with both organisations as the breeding program is undertaken.

Visitors now have the opportunity to interact with educational volunteer Ambassadors who are able to enhance visits to the site.

By Marian SAMPSON