'Must never happen again': Call for inquiry after hundreds of koalas shot dead
Share this @internewscast.com
Wildlife experts are calling for an inquiry hundreds of koalas were shot from helicopters to “reduce suffering” after a bushfire.

The Victorian government says the animals were “individually assessed” after the fire swept through Budj Bim National Park, 270km west of Melbourne in March. But some experts are questioning how this was possible.

Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) confirmed around 860 animals were shot from the air in the remote area, saying it was “accurate and humane”.

Wildlife experts are calling for an inquiry into the shooting of hundreds of koalas from helicopters a state government claims aimed to “reduce suffering” after a bushfire. (Getty)

“This was the humane action to take to prevent further suffering,” a statement said.

“This decision to employ this method was not taken lightly.”

However, Claire Smith, who runs Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, claims as many as 1100 koalas were killed.

“Let’s just take the shooting part, when they send out shooters in helicopters to shoot brumbies they can’t even shoot them dead,” she told 9News.

“How does anyone believe that these koalas have been shot with a one shot kill.

“There will be a thousand bodies laying around – not all of those koalas would have died straight away when they are shot.

“How many had joeys? How many joeys are dead because of this?

“They’ll be digging pits to bury these koalas.

“Secondly how is anybody assessing these koalas from a helicopter?”

The fire started on March 10 after a lightning strike.
The fire started on March 10 after a lightning strike. (Facebook/Vic Emergency)

She wants an independent inquiry into what happened.

Smith, who has launched a petition dismissed DEECA claims the terrain was too difficult to access from the ground as “nonsense”.

“There needs to be open and transparent documentation about the decision that was taken to shoot koalas from the air and we want to see an independent report.

“This sets a precedent now, and it must never, ever happen again.”

Bosses at the Humane World for Animals charity also want an inquiry.

“While we’re relieved that the koala shooting operation has ceased, the need to learn from this incident and ensure positive welfare outcomes for surviving koalas remains urgent,” Evan Quartermain, Australian Head of Programs, said in a statement.

The fire started on March 10 after a lightning strike.
While Victorian government says the animals were “individually assessed” after the fire swept through Budj Bim National Park, 270km west of Melbourne in March, experts are questioning how this was possible. (Facebook/Vic Emergency)

“Humane World for Animals is communicating with and supporting concerned locals and koala advocates on the ground around Budj Bim as we continue to scrutinise information.”

Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) told 9News it worked with “experienced vets, wildlife carers, and animal welfare experts” to ‘”individually assess” the creatures.

“However, due to direct impacts of the fire, the poor health and low likelihood of survival of many animals due to the ongoing drought conditions and lack of food post-fire, many of the animals did require euthanising,” it said in a statement.

The fire started on March 10 after a lightning strike.
Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) said it worked with experienced vets, wildlife carers, and animal welfare experts to ‘”individually assess” the creatures after the fire. (Facebook/Vic Emergency)

“The options were to just leave them to deteriorate or take proactive steps to reduce suffering by using aerial assessments.

“A ground-based veterinary assessment conducted by a wildlife vet during an aerial trial showed that all koalas assessed and euthanised by the aerial team during the trial were in very poor health and would have continued to suffer in a deteriorating state of welfare if they had remained alive.”

The fire started after a lightning strike.

It burned around 22sq km of the 54sq km park according to VicEmergency.

Koalas on the east coast of Australia could be extinct by 2050, the WWF says.

They are not listed as endangered or threatened in Victoria.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chalk mark on car tyre from parking inspectors

Here’s Why You Should Avoid Wiping Off Chalk Marks on Your Parked Car

An attorney specializing in criminal law is cautioning Australians about the risks…

EU and US Reach Tariff Agreement to Prevent Escalating Trade Conflict

The United States reached a trade framework agreement with the European Union…
US mother and 8-month-old daughter remain missing after 10 days

U.S. Mother and Her 8-Month-Old Baby Still Missing After 10 Days

Authorities and concerned relatives in California are actively searching for a mother…
Gunman believed dead after police officer, civilians shot in Manhattan

Manhattan Shooting: Suspected Gunman Killed, Police Officer and Civilians Injured

A gunman is suspected to have died after opening fire on a…
A controversial new fee for the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks is being debated.

Sydney Council Discusses Admission Fee for New Year’s Eve Fireworks Event

A controversial new fee for the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks is…
Generic scenes of Commonwealth Bank of Australia logo and words, CBA, Banking, office buildings. Monday 13th Janusry 2025 AFR photo Louie Douvis

AI Leads to Several Layoffs at Commonwealth Bank, Execs Confirm

Australia’s biggest bank has cut 45 call centre jobs after rolling out…

Wiebes Triumphs in Tumultuous Sprint at Tour de France Femmes

Lorena Wiebes has prevailed in a chaotic sprint to claim victory in…
Palestine Action Group Sydney march from Hyde Park North (near the Archibald Fountain) to Belmore Park.  29th October 2023 Photo: Steven Siewert

Pro-Palestine Rally on Sydney Harbour Bridge Cancelled

A plan to shut down the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a weekend…
Stargazers have the chance to see a spectacular meteor show this week.

Guide to Viewing the Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower This Week

Stargazers have the chance to see a spectacular meteor show this week.…

Israel Implements Daily Ceasefires in Gaza for Aid Deliveries via Airdrops

Israel announced a halt in military operations for 10 hours a day…

The Albanese administration pushes forward with promise to limit prescription costs to $25

The Albanese government says it will introduce legislation this week to cap…
Huge hailstone fell in Stanthorpe, Queensland on Tuesday.

Urgent Alert: Massive Storm Set to Impact Millions in Australia

Millions of Australians in the country’s largest cities could be facing a…