Australia’s unique wildlife draws visitors from around the world eager to witness koalas, kangaroos and wombats in their habitats. However, Hyojin Yang’s passion lies with a less-celebrated species. The Brisbane-based Korean migrant said people are often surprised when she mentions her love of Australian wild bats. Yang, who was a registered veterinarian in a South Korean zoo for five years, now works as a researcher at the University of Queensland.
In 2022, following a year of volunteer service, Yang joined Dr Lee McMichael's research project at the University of Queensland, funded by WIRES grants. The team investigated treatment outcomes for spectacled flying foxes affected by tick paralysis, achieving higher release rates with oxygen therapy in 2022 and record releases in 2023. With over three decades dedicated to Tolga Bat Hospital, Mclean underscores the challenges faced by bat carers.