RIAN COPE

At Home with Izzy Bee: The Koala Whisperer of Magnetic Island

Published by Escape / News.com.au
Photography by Rian Cope

In this heartwarming feature, we meet 14-year-old Izzy Bee—affectionately known as the “koala whisperer”—who lives on Queensland’s Magnetic Island with her parents and a very special group of housemates: rescued koalas.

The story highlights Izzy’s unique upbringing in a home that doubles as a koala hospital, run by her veterinarian mum, Ali. Together, they care for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas, nursing them back to health before releasing them into the wild.

Izzy, who starred in two seasons of Izzy’s Koala World on Netflix, shares insights into her daily life surrounded by wildlife, her love for the island, and her passion for helping animals. She offers a local’s guide to the island’s best experiences—from jetty-jumping and turtle spotting to scenic hikes where wild koalas can often be found.

This gallery showcases behind-the-scenes images captured for the feature, offering a visual look into the world of Magnetic Island’s youngest conservationist and her family's extraordinary mission to save one of Australia’s most iconic animals.