700 Koalas Exterminated in Aerial Shooting Operation by Helicopter
Australian authorities are currently facing significant criticism following the culling of hundreds of koalas in Victoria. Approximately 700 koalas were shot by snipers from helicopters over Budj Bim National Park as part of a euthanasia effort...
TroibNews 
Australian authorities are currently facing significant criticism following the culling of hundreds of koalas in Victoria.
Approximately 700 koalas were shot by snipers from helicopters over Budj Bim National Park as part of a euthanasia effort after a devastating bushfire ravaged more than 2,000 hectares of their habitat.
The fire resulted in many koalas suffering injuries, dehydration, and a lack of food, which led officials to begin the cull in early April to alleviate further distress among the animals.
Animal welfare groups have raised concerns regarding the welfare of the orphaned joeys left behind, as reported in the media on Tuesday.
However, the decision to use snipers to target the koalas from helicopters has ignited rapid and widespread backlash.
Activists have voiced worries that decisions made by veterinarians and shooters from distances of up to 30 meters could lead to the accidental killing of healthy koalas, including mothers caring for their joeys.
“The use of aerial shooting should be treated as a last resort,” Friends of the Earth Melbourne stated, calling on authorities to halt the cull and allow for independent observers to monitor the situation.
“This is the first time that koalas have been killed by shooting from a helicopter in Australia,” the organization noted. “Aerial culling of koalas is an Australian first and sets a nasty ethical precedent.”
The Koala Alliance, an animal protection organization, shared similar concerns regarding the threat to vulnerable young joeys potentially left to die from starvation or exposure.
“If koalas were shot out of trees, this means many joeys would be left to suffer and die. It’s despicable. It’s cruel,” the group stated on Facebook.
In defense of the decision to carry out an aerial cull in Budj Bim National Park, the regional government has pointed to expert assessments and veterinary guidance.
Nonetheless, demands for an independent review of the culling process have intensified, with activists calling for more humane and precise methods of wildlife management.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
Approximately 700 koalas were shot by snipers from helicopters over Budj Bim National Park as part of a euthanasia effort after a devastating bushfire ravaged more than 2,000 hectares of their habitat.
The fire resulted in many koalas suffering injuries, dehydration, and a lack of food, which led officials to begin the cull in early April to alleviate further distress among the animals.
Animal welfare groups have raised concerns regarding the welfare of the orphaned joeys left behind, as reported in the media on Tuesday.
However, the decision to use snipers to target the koalas from helicopters has ignited rapid and widespread backlash.
Activists have voiced worries that decisions made by veterinarians and shooters from distances of up to 30 meters could lead to the accidental killing of healthy koalas, including mothers caring for their joeys.
“The use of aerial shooting should be treated as a last resort,” Friends of the Earth Melbourne stated, calling on authorities to halt the cull and allow for independent observers to monitor the situation.
“This is the first time that koalas have been killed by shooting from a helicopter in Australia,” the organization noted. “Aerial culling of koalas is an Australian first and sets a nasty ethical precedent.”
The Koala Alliance, an animal protection organization, shared similar concerns regarding the threat to vulnerable young joeys potentially left to die from starvation or exposure.
“If koalas were shot out of trees, this means many joeys would be left to suffer and die. It’s despicable. It’s cruel,” the group stated on Facebook.
In defense of the decision to carry out an aerial cull in Budj Bim National Park, the regional government has pointed to expert assessments and veterinary guidance.
Nonetheless, demands for an independent review of the culling process have intensified, with activists calling for more humane and precise methods of wildlife management.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
