Koala Joey Brings Joy After Bushfires at Aussie Ark

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: January 29, 2021 4:45 pm

A koala joey with its caregiver

Photo Credit: Aussie Ark

Caregivers at the Aussie Ark Sanctuary in New South Wales, Australia have spotted the first koala joey to be born in one of their protected reserves.

The birth is made extra special as it comes twelve months on from the devastating bushfires which swept Australia last year. This joey is a symbol of hope both for its threatened species and the work being undertaken at Aussie Ark.

A koala at the Aussie Ark Sanctuary

Photo Credit: Aussie Ark

Aussie Ark is excited to see the success of their work protecting koalas from the threats which have significantly reduced their population in other parts of their range.

At the Aussie Ark sanctuary the koalas are provided with food trees, the exclusion of predators such as cats, dogs and foxes along with protection from cars and roads.

The Aussie Ark sanctuary protects 5,750 hectares of bushland at Barrington Tops in New South Wales. Eventually this area will provide protection for as many as 1,500 koalas.

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Manager of Life Sciences, Hayley Shute said “As I walked through the sanctuary looking at the thriving habitat, I could not believe my eyes. Koalas are so difficult to spot due to their colouration and camouflage against the tall, grey trees. There was however a koala that was moving down the tree and so easier to see. Not only was the vision incredible but she had a small joey on her back.”

Ms Shute Continued “The birth of the joey reflects the need for protection against threats of habitat destruction, feral predators, fire and consequently increased disease. What this sighting signifies is that when habitat and ecosystems are protected, koalas can repopulate and live a healthy, long life.”

A koala at the Aussie Ark Sanctuary

Photo Credit: Aussie Ark

One year on from the bushfires of the summer of 2019-20 the joey provides hope for its threatened species. Over 1 billion animals perished including a significant number of koalas.

While fires are a major threat to koalas they also face habitat destruction and fragmentation, but their survival is also compounded by car-strike, feral predators and disease.

Aussie Ark have begun a conservation project known as koala ark. Koala Ark is working to protect remnant koala habitat, offer protection from bushfires, undertaking weed management, removing introduced species and long-term sanctuary monitoring.