Koala massacre reveals a threat bigger than the fires...

UPDATE 23rd December 2021: After an almost two-year-long investigation, The Victorian Conservation Regulator has issued more than 250 animal cruelty charges against the landowner involved. Thank you to our dedicated supporters who tirelessly called for justice for the animals involved, and to the selfless volunteer wildlife carers at the forefront of this horrific event who spent months nursing the hundreds of survivors back to health.

An estimated 1 billion native animals and millions of hectares of land have been destroyed by fires across Australia, making some species, including koalas, even more vulnerable to extinction. But while fires have understandably captured the media headlines, the biggest ongoing threat to the survival of Australia’s beloved ‘koala bear’ is something that happens every single day… land clearing.

And when a bulldozer tore through precious koala habitat in Victoria in the midst of the bushfire crisis — killing trees and animals — it catapulted this critical issue into the national spotlight.

An animal welfare disaster

What unfolded on the private property in South-West Victoria in early February can only be described as an animal welfare disaster. To make way for sheep grazing, a habitat that was home to hundreds of koalas was bulldozed… and as the trees fell, so did countless animals.

Some were killed instantly, their bodies found trapped under heavy branches or strewn amongst piles of felled trees. Some suffered traumatic injuries and broken bones. Some were orphaned and others were found huddled together in the few remaining trees left on the property — hungry, thirsty and utterly helpless.

When Animals Australia was alerted to this emergency situation, we immediately flew in expert wildlife vets to assist the locals who had discovered the tragedy. We also supplied an expert tree climber who was able to safely access and retrieve surviving koalas who were clinging on for life in difficult-to-reach places.

More than 200 koalas needed rescuing, with around 40 found in such poor condition that the kindest option was for them to be euthanised. The rescue and rehabilitation efforts of volunteer vets and wildlife carers was extraordinary and undoubtedly saved many lives.

Initially there was some speculation about this being a bluegum plantation, and, while that was once true, it appears that the land was handed back to a farmer who then made the decision to cut down the trees so that he could use the property to graze sheep or cattle.

To make matters worse, in addition to clearing the trees, the landowner had already installed a tall fence around the property, which prevented surviving animals from escaping to seek alternative shelter and food.

Victoria’s environment Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio, called what happened a ‘crime’ and has promised a thorough investigation. Animals Australia has lodged a legal complaint for what we believe are clear breaches of wildlife and animal protection laws.

But while this specific situation is incredibly distressing, it has highlighted the very real and ongoing threat to species like koalas whose habitats are becoming increasingly scarce every day.

Habitat loss through land clearing for livestock production and paper remains the key threat to these vulnerable animals. Continued threat of logging and bushfires not only poses a tremendous challenge to their welfare, but to their existence as a species.

Unless governments step in to protect wildlife and their homes, soon there simply will be no safe place left for native animals to go.

Help koalas, starting today

While we push for long-term, meaningful change for animals at the government and industry levels, there are things we can do every day to help koalas and other wildlife.

• As consumer demand is the key driver of industries that destroy natural habitats, the power lies with us to shift demand to foods that are kinder to animals and the planet. Join the evolution of kindness now, by ordering your free guide to more compassionate and sustainable living here. 
• A meaningful way you can help is by turning your backyard into a wildlife haven if possible. Learn more and take the pledge to share your yard with precious Australian wildlife. 
• Avoid certain products made from blue gum or opt only for 100% recycled items when it comes to paper products, including toilet paper, and pallets, flooring, furniture and fencing. Choosing recycled will help reduce the demand for blue gum, which is fuelling the expansion of plantations which are putting koalas at risk. Learn more here.