It is feared that hundreds of koalas have been burned alive by an out-of-control bushfire in northern NSW that has raged unchecked for days in the heartland of their prime habitat.
The blaze, reportedly caused by a lightning strike near Port Macquarie, has burned more than 2000 hectares of land, including an important koala breeding ground.
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital president Sue Ashton, said that the hospital, which can house up to 40 koalas, has rallied more than 150 volunteers to deal with the expected influx of injured animals.