Hundreds of koalas killed in Australia cull, leaving joeys caught in the crossfire orphaned, activists say

Authorities in Australia are facing criticism after culling hundreds of sickly koalas via helicopter-riding snipers last week, likely killing healthy mothers in the process and leaving joeys orphaned, according to wildlife advocates.The cull in Victoria’s Budj Bim National Park — which was sparked by wildfires — killed about 700 koalas, including healthy ones with young joeys in their care, animal rights groups alleged.In the wake of the mass killings, activists are calling on the government to review its handling of the operation, which included shooting at koalas from helicopters.The operation began in early April as part of an effort to eliminate koalas that were either starving, dehydrated, or injured as a result of the bushfires that decimated more than 2,000 hectares of their homes.Officials insisted that the euthanasia was necessary, but they aren’t winning any praise for their unconventional method.Wildlife advocates noted that it is difficult, if not impossible, to discern a koala’s health from high up in a helicopter, increasing the chances that healthy koalas were caught in the crossfire.The helicopters flew roughly 30 metres, or nearly 100 feet, above the ground.“The use of aerial shooting should be treated as a last resort.

This is the first time that koalas have been killed by shooting from a helicopter in Australia.Aerial culling of koalas is an Australian first and sets a nasty ethical precedent,” Friends of the Earth Melbourne said in a press release.The organization added that because the area was blocked off following the fires, no rescuers have been allowed inside to help the orphaned babies.“If koalas were shot out of trees, this means many joeys would be left to suffer and die.

It’s despicable.It’s cruel,” Koala Alliance, an animal protection group, said in a statement on Facebook.On top of the culling, advocates are also calling on the Victorian government to end the harvesting of healthy eucalyptus trees on nearby pri...