In Victoria, Australia, an aerial culling operation targeting koalas has left hundreds of baby koalas orphaned. Animal rights advocates are calling for an independent investigation into the controversial operation.
The culling, which began in early April in Budj Bim National Park, has already resulted in the deaths of approximately 700 koalas, sparking widespread public backlash. Animal welfare organizations report that many baby koalas have been left without mothers, posing a significant threat to their survival.
Authorities defend the culling by claiming that wildfires have destroyed more than 2,000 hectares of natural koala habitat, leaving the animals vulnerable to hunger, dehydration, and severe injuries. However, the use of helicopters to carry out the operation has intensified criticism.
"High risk of mis-targeting" Animal rights defenders argue that observations made from helicopters are insufficient and that assessing the animals from around 30 meters in the air could lead to the accidental targeting of healthy koalas, including mothers with babies.
The Melbourne-based environmental group Friends of the Earth stated, "Firing from a helicopter should be the last resort," and called for the culling to be stopped and for independent observers to be allowed access to the area.
The group further noted, "This is the first case in Australia where koalas have been killed by gunfire from helicopters. This practice sets a dangerous ethical precedent."
While similar methods are sometimes used in national parks to control wild horse and deer populations, it is considered highly unusual to apply such measures to koalas.
Rescue teams denied access to the area Environmental groups reported that the culling area in Budj Bim was closed due to fire risk, with roads blocked by barriers and security cameras installed.
The Koala Alliance, an animal protection group, criticized the situation, stating, "Koalas shot from the trees are being abandoned, leaving their babies to die from hunger or external factors. This is both cruel and inhumane."
The statement also highlighted that most of the koalas culled came from a plantation near the park covered with blue gum trees.
Government defends the culling, experts call for independent review Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan defended the operation, saying, "Assessments by wildlife experts and veterinarians confirmed that the animals were suffering significantly. It was determined that this method was the most humane solution."
However, environmentalists emphasize that the decision should be independently reviewed, calling for the involvement of animal health experts and scientists in the process.
The controversy also draws attention to the broader threat facing the koala population in Australia. Koalas are listed as endangered in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory. Deforestation, expanding agricultural lands, and increasing fires continue to shrink the koalas' habitat, further endangering the species.
