Tag Archives: Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park (SA) with 400 koala fire victims

Kangaroo-Island-koalas-Humane-Society

No habitat to return to; generous funds raised.

“Originally when we asked for the $15,000 about 50 percent of the koala habitat was burned, so we did have plans on releasing them into the remaining 50 …
[Sam Mitchell of Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park told the ABC].

“Since then, another 30 — maybe even more — percent of the habitat has gone, so now we have to house them for quite some time until we know we can release them, because we have to wait for the forests to regrow.”

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Mr Mitchell said not only koalas but other marsupials and reptiles needed care. (gofundme)

Park ‘working flat out’ to house injured animals

Mr Mitchell said his business employed 12 staff but would slow down “dramatically” as a result of the fires.

He said he had been “overwhelmed” with medical supplies and the park was continuing to receive up to 50 new koalas per day, as well as other injured animals.

“I’ve always dedicated my life to saving animals and I’m doing everything I can for these guys,” he said.

“Every day we’re seeing more and more animals, we’re building more and more infrastructure, we’re going through a lot more medical supplies.”

Mr Mitchell said a final decision had not yet been made on how all of the money raised would be spent.

“People keep saying ‘what are you going to do with these koalas in a year’s time? What are you going to do with all these supplies?’ That’s tomorrow’s problem,” he said.

READ THE FULL STORY:
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park owner featured in viral drop bear video says he is facing backlash for donation deluge
By Daniel Keane, ABC Radio Adelaide


MAIN IMAGE: A Humane Society worker gives water to a koala on Kangaroo Island.
SOURCE: Humane Society

AROUND THE WEB: RELATED STORY
RSPCA calls for Kangaroo Island volunteers amid fears of ‘second wave of mass wildlife deaths’ (due to starvation)
By ABC News

 

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Kangaroo Island to “cull” kangaroos?

Environmentalists have raised concerns over the potential culling of kangaroos to accommodate a proposed $14 million golf course and resort on Kangaroo Island.  Contrary to their name, Kangaroo Island plans to have a “cull” of the animals that give the island it’s name!

Programmed Turnpoint, the developer, wants the 18-hole links-style course on Kangaroo Island’s Dudley Peninsula.

Australia’s most famous golfer Greg Norman has been approached regarding the design the 18-hole championship length, Par 72 links-style golf course.

Development plans for a 220ha site on southern side of the island has support from the council and the island’s business lobby.

This developer has listed culling as an option to reduce the high number of western grey kangaroos and Tammar wallabies in the area. This will be done in terms of “management of kangaroos” to restore the balance of native vegetation, despite the fact that the golf course will be manicured grass!

Eco Action Kangaroo Island management group said culling kangaroos would have widespread ramifications for the island’s international reputation and tourist numbers.  International visitors come to Kangaroo Island and expect to see kangaroos, not another golf course.

 “Kangaroo Island without kangaroos is just not Kangaroo Island,” wildlife carer Sue Holman said.

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(image: Kangaroo Island kangaroo – South Australia)

In 1997, culling of koalas was proposed as a component of an integrated strategy to manage high density populations on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. So, to “manage” wildlife, they are “culled” and this fixes the problem and removes the animals as well!  It’s a bit like fixing problems in a hospital by removing the patients, or euthanising an animal to “cure” a disease.   It sparked an outrage and ultimately led to a decision at the Commonwealth level that culling will not be considered for management of koalas.

Kangaroo Island residents are opposing the plan but with the usual partnership between councils and developers they will be struggling.  Developers, with deep pockets and economic power to sway councils, don’t like to be told “no” to their plans.  They will enclose and encapsulate their “cull” in environmental terms, and even convince the Council and public that it’s “good” for the environment and “good” for the animals!

Money, sport, development and tourism all are usually disastrous for wildlife, and their habitat.

Provide Feedback to Kangaroo Island Council on your opinion of this oxymoron – a “cull” of kangaroos on Kangaroo Island.

 

(featured image: Kangaroo Island kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus), Karatta, Kangaroo Island, South Australia)

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