Image: The Koala Sanctuary
A new sanctuary dedicated to protecting up to 1,000 koalas and other native wildlife is set to open on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island next month. This 530-hectare sanctuary will not only offer a safe space for the animals, but also focus on important research into sustaining a healthy koala population on the island.
“We’re excited to announce we’ve successfully acquired 530 Ha of land on Kangaroo Island,” The Koala Sanctuary said in a post to Facebook. “The sanctuary will not only provide safety for the estimated 750 to 1,000 animals currently on the property but will facilitate research into maintaining a sustainable koala population on the island.”
The sanctuary’s creation follows the devastating impact of the 2019/2020 bushfires, which destroyed large portions of koala habitats and led to the clearing of blue gum plantations on the island. In response, the charity behind the project aims to restore native plants and provide a safe home for wildlife.
“With koalas facing increasing pressure in the Eastern states, The Koala Sanctuary offers a place for koalas to persist into the future and to be an ongoing insurance policy for the species more broadly,” Spokesperson for The Koala Sanctuary, Dr Julian Beaman, said.
“Despite being such a well-known species, there is still much to learn about this cryptic animal. Our aspiration is for The Koala Sanctuary to be a focal point for new understanding of koala biology and to support their conservation and sustainable populations.”
The sanctuary will also be a research hub, helping scientists understand the needs of koalas and how to support a growing population. By studying the impact of environmental factors on the marsupials, researchers hope to uncover new ways of supporting koalas both on Kangaroo Island and across other regions of Australia.
This sanctuary is also important for the overall health of Kangaroo Island’s environment. It will help koalas have a place to live and thrive, and it will play a role in restoring the island’s natural ecosystems.
Along with its research, the sanctuary will offer an eco-tourism experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s wildlife while supporting conservation efforts. The sanctuary will open next month and is set to become a key part of Kangaroo Island’s future, offering hope for koalas and other native species affected by the bushfires.
For more information and updates, visit The Koala Sanctuary’s Facebook.
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