Overview

• A lightning-induced bushfire in March 2025 devastated thousands of hectares of koala habitat in Budj Bim National Park, leaving many animals injured or starving.
• The Victorian government conducted an aerial cull of approximately 600–700 koalas, citing the need to prevent prolonged suffering due to severe injuries and starvation.
• Government officials and some wildlife experts argue the cull was a necessary and humane decision given the inaccessible and hazardous terrain.
• Animal welfare groups and ecologists have criticized the operation, calling for more transparent decision-making and advocating for ground-based rescue efforts instead.
• Experts highlight broader issues of habitat mismanagement, overpopulation, and insufficient vegetation connectivity as key factors exacerbating the crisis.