IFAW statement regarding the Victorian koala crisis

Like many across the nation and the world, IFAW is heartbroken by the decision to euthanise bushfire-impacted koalas through aerial shooting in the World Heritage-listed Budj Bim National Park in Victoria.

The public is justifiably asking for more information around what led to this extreme measure, the welfare of koalas, why more couldn’t be done to save them and when it will end. IFAW supports calls for the Victorian government to provide greater transparency as a matter of priority.

IFAW is devastated by the tragic loss of so many koalas. Our hearts also go out to those who had to witness this traumatic situation firsthand day after day for so many weeks.

Having learned more about the extremely challenging and inaccessible conditions of the firegrounds and life-threatening injuries suffered by koalas, including severe burns, IFAW believes that choosing inaction would have been profoundly more cruel. IFAW recognises this decision was an extremely hard one to make. While this was deemed the best outcome for the identified koalas, it is still a heartbreaking resolution.

The sad truth behind these shocking headlines, however, is the ongoing chronic animal welfare crisis facing koalas in southwest Victoria that has been unfolding for decades. The root cause being rampant habitat loss and the relentless expansion of the blue gum plantation industry. With their natural habitat diminished, koalas are left with nowhere safe to go.

Victoria’s koala population is not formally considered endangered, however the threats they face are no less urgent. With the Queensland and New South Wales populations now listed as endangered, Victoria’s koalas could potentially hold the key to the future survival of the species.

IFAW has worked for many years alongside partners in Victoria to advocate for better welfare and conservation outcomes for koalas. IFAW continues to lobby for greater support for the volunteer wildlife rehabilitators who for years have been left to look after the injured and orphaned koalas in the area.

This welfare crisis has been hidden behind closed doors for far too long and a full and transparent inquiry is long overdue. The inquiry needs to be fully transparent, allowing evidence and participation from all sectors of the community – Traditional Owners, private landowners, industry, wildlife rehabilitators, conservation and animal welfare NGOs, researchers, government and importantly the wider Victorian public.

Now is the time to make change. IFAW is calling for an urgent parliamentary inquiry into the ecological and animal welfare emergency facing koalas in southwest Victoria.