Authorities Conduct Controversial Aerial Cull, Targeting Hundreds of Koalas from Helicopters in Australia

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Between 600 and 700 of the marsupials were killed from the air, likely for the first time in the country’s history. Officials say the decision, which has prompted backlash, was made to minimize the animals’ suffering after a bushfire

Sarah Kuta

April 25, 2025 4:22 p.m.

Authorities in Australia are under scrutiny after the decision to cull hundreds of koalas by shooting them from helicopters has raised significant ethical concerns.

Reports indicate that between 600 and 700 koalas were euthanized in Budj Bim National Park in southwest Victoria. Officials claim the action was taken to prevent further suffering following a bushfire that occurred in March, ignited by a lightning strike. However, critics contend that the ongoing struggles of the koalas stem from years of inadequate habitat management.

Many koalas suffered severe injuries, burns, and smoke inhalation due to the bushfire, which ravaged approximately 5,436 acres. The blaze also destroyed a significant number of manna gum trees, a crucial food source for the marsupials, exacerbating the distress in an area already experiencing drought conditions.

The government justified the cull, stating that the welfare of the koalas necessitated such drastic measures. They collaborated with veterinarians and wildlife experts to arrive at this decision.

James Todd, the chief biodiversity officer for Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, remarked, “The options were to just leave them to deteriorate or take proactive steps to reduce suffering.” He elaborated that the aerial assessments helped conclude that euthanasia was necessary.

The culling method employed was unprecedented in Victoria, and likely in all of Australia. Authorities chose aerial shooting after determining that alternatives were impractical due to the difficult terrain and the risks involved in approaching the injured animals on foot.

Early evaluations of the culling method indicated it was humane and effective, based on veterinarian assessments of the koalas’ conditions prior to euthanasia. However, the ethics of such a measure are being hotly debated.

Divided Opinions on Aerial Culling

While some wildlife experts support the government’s action. Desley Whisson, a wildlife ecologist, stated, “They made the right call… it was an act of mercy.” Yet, other advocates question whether the culling could have been avoided, suggesting that more effort should have been made to rescue the koalas.

Critics are particularly concerned about the future of orphaned joeys. The lack of on-the-ground assessments raises doubts about the health evaluations made from helicopters, with some experts arguing that additional methods such as blood tests and weight assessments would be more effective.

Legal scholars from the University of Melbourne have also called into question why the government did not supply supplementary food to the koalas while their habitat recovered. In light of such tragic decisions, they assert that preventive measures must be established to avoid similar situations in the future.

Despite differing opinions, some experts maintain that given the extent of the fire damage and the condition of the koalas, euthanasia may have been the most humane option under the circumstances.

Koalas, listed as endangered in certain regions of Australia, are experiencing diverse challenges across the country. While they are protected in states like New South Wales and Queensland, southern states like Victoria are reportedly facing overpopulation issues that threaten environmental stability. Critics of the government argue that habitat loss due to logging and urban development has forcibly concentrated koala populations, contributing to the current crisis.

With over 450,000 koalas in Victoria alone, many have been forced into habitats that are inadequate, leading them to congregate in national parks. These areas, known as “habitat islands,” can easily become overpopulated, worsening the effects of bushfires.

Experts continue to stress the importance of sustainable habitat management to create resilient environments that limit the impact of future fires. Rolf Schlagloth, an ecologist, emphasizes that healthy and connected forests can help mitigate the likelihood of severe bushfires.

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