Mysterious Paralysis Syndrome Strikes Aussie Flying Foxes and Lorikeets
A disturbing and unexplained illness is sweeping through Australia’s wildlife, causing hundreds of flying foxes and rainbow lorikeets to fall from the sky. This mysterious condition, referred to as Flying Fox Paralysis Syndrome (FFPS) and Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome (LPS), has left experts, wildlife rescuers, and concerned citizens scrambling for answers. The situation has become so dire that it is now being called a wildlife crisis, with reports of these beloved creatures dropping dead or suffering from severe paralysis in large numbers, particularly in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.
The exact cause of these conditions remains a mystery. Symptoms in the affected animals are harrowing—both flying foxes and lorikeets exhibit signs of paralysis, difficulty swallowing, and changes to their voice. Flying foxes can be found with protruding tongues, struggling to breathe and unable to swallow, while lorikeets are seen unable to stand, blink, or even swallow food. In some instances, the bats’ skin has even started to peel off after prolonged exposure to water, leaving them infected with maggots while still alive. Volunteers from wildlife organizations like Bats QLD describe the situation as “soul-destroying,” as they try to save as many animals as possible, often finding that some are too far gone to help.
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Environmental experts believe the phenomenon may be linked to an environmental toxin, with both species of animals sharing a diet of fruit and pollen, which could be contaminated by something in the environment. The condition seems to strike hardest during the summer months, and while no infectious agent or man-made toxin has been identified, some researchers suggest the illness may be caused by the ingestion of a toxic plant species that blooms during this time.
This current outbreak, described as the worst in five years, is spreading rapidly, and wildlife rescuers are overwhelmed by the increasing number of cases. They are calling for more resources from the government to investigate and address the potential environmental causes of this alarming phenomenon. The situation has put immense strain on wildlife rescuers, who work tirelessly to collect the affected animals and provide them with care, but the emotional toll is significant. Many volunteers report feeling exhausted and heartbroken as they watch the suffering of the animals and struggle to keep up with the mounting cases.
Local councils, including the City of Logan in Brisbane, have taken action to raise awareness of the crisis. They have put up signs in parks near known flying fox camps to inform the public of what to do if they encounter a distressed or injured bat or bird. Wildlife organizations like Bats QLD have been urging the public to report any sightings of sick or injured animals as quickly as possible, as early intervention can make a crucial difference in their survival.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains grim, and rescuers are pleading for more help and funding to tackle the growing wildlife emergency. The crisis has brought to light the vulnerability of Australia’s wildlife and the need for urgent action to protect these iconic species from the unknown threat that is currently causing so much distress.
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