The St Clare’s Environment Group don’t want to and that’s why we’ve donated $50 from our most recent mufti day fundraiser to support the establishment of the world first Wild Koala Breeding Program.

Koalas are at a critical point in their survival, with numbers declining due to habitat loss, disease, road strikes and dog attacks.  The Black Summer Bushfires pushed this already threatened species to the brink of extinction. 

To help save this endangered species, Koala Conservation Australia, in collaboration with the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Taronga Conservation Society, the Australian Museum, the University of Sydney, and Forestry Corporation NSW are launching a world-first Wild Koala Breeding Program.

Only a small number of Koalas are bred in captivity each year and when these koalas are released into the wild, they are vulnerable to starvation, injury, and attack.  Unfortunately, wild breeding rates are also declining, largely due to disease and a loss of genetic diversity as habitats continue to be squeezed.  Without intervention, koalas could become extinct.

The Wild Koala Breeding Program aims to breed wild koalas from a carefully selected healthy population, in a scientifically controlled research and breeding facility.  This naturally forested facility will be as close to wild koala habitat as possible, whilst retaining strict animal health protocols.  By 2026, The Wild Koala Breeding Program aims to have a population of over 100 healthy koalas and be producing 60 joeys each year for release to the wild.

The St Clare’s Environmental Group, on behalf of the St Clare’s school community, are happy to support this project.

Niko Campbell-Ellis
Environmental Group Coordinator