Australia's culling of hundreds of koalas sparks nationwide outrage

Australian authorities have culled hundreds of koalas in Victoria's Budj Bim National Park using aerial snipers, following a wildfire that destroyed over 2,000 hectares of habitat and left many koalas injured, starving, or dehydrated. Officials argue the cull is necessary to prevent further suffering, but animal welfare groups and activists have condemned the method, expressing concerns that assessing the animals' health from helicopters is unreliable and risks killing healthy mothers, leaving orphaned joeys. Critics argue the cull sets a troubling precedent, as aerial shooting has not previously been used for koalas, and claim the area has been cordoned off from rescue efforts. Premier Jacinta Allan defended the operation, citing extensive assessments by wildlife experts, but advocates and researchers view the cull as evidence of broader mismanagement of koala habitats amid ongoing threats from bushfires, logging, and habitat loss. The controversy highlights the complex challenges facing koala conservation in the face of climate change and habitat fragmentation. Animal activists are calling for an independent review and greater transparency in the government's approach to managing wildlife crises.