On Monday, Australia Zoo rejected media reports it was in financial trouble and could be in danger of folding. Director Terri Irwin said more than 20 staff were laid off this year due to poor weather, a drop in visitor numbers and the general financial downturn. But Ms Irwin said none of the wildlife programs or attractions were facing the axe.

Councillor Anna Grosskreutz will make a call at a council meeting today to help the wildlife hospital. She says the wildlife hospital is independent of the zoo and operates on donations and recent rain and flooding has seen a dramatic increase in the number of animals being brought to the facility.

"The animals are being taken there by the thousands ... from across the region and they're starting to struggle for funding to keep the level of treatment up to these animals," she said. "It's wonderful when we see in the [newspaper] fabulous results like Frodo the koala, but he cost thousands to rehabilitate and get back on his feet."