The koala industry is very traditional and has failed to embrace innovation when comparing to koalas. It’s time to reinvent the way we think about our koalas.
On 17 December 2019, while the bushfires were raging, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Dr Kellie Leigh of Science for Wildlife (see http://scienceforwildlife.org ), Taronga Zoo's conservation partner, had "rescued" a dozen koalas "from the bushfire-ravaged Blue Mountains and sent to Taronga Zoo, as an out-of-control blaze burned towards thei...
The Koala Can Eat a Non-Eucalyptus Diet This article is part of a series. To read part one, click here . Non-Eucalyptus diet in a captive sector In my many years working with koalas – from small, to very large numbers – there is one thing that I am sure of: koalas can eat a non-eucalyptus diet. While my colleagues and I have known this for decades,...
Koala Energy and Enrichment This article is part of a series. To read part one, click here . Koalas are often labelled as sleepy marsupials that spend most of their lives in a deep slumber. However, this characterisation is quite far from the truth. The captive koala, given the right diet and nutrients, is a robust and active animal that can thrive...
Koala Food Production Life in the Field This article is part of a series. To read part one, click here. The style of field cutting and collecting food has a huge impact on the overall health and wellbeing of a koala. A cutter's job is to ensure that koalas feel completely comfortable and at home in a captive environment. The aim is to provide koala...
The Back Story In order to understand the future, you must understand the past. This sentiment is especially true within the koala industry, whose institutions that exist today have not managed to learn from the past to adapt and improve for the future. Throughout the 1970's, 80's and 90's, koalas (and koala populations) in captivity was a growing ...
Indifferent Does Not Mean Out of Touch This article is part of a series. If you missed Part 3, please click here. Within each individual industry, there is a 'code' or 'culture' that is generally apparent among the staff. In my industry, I have developed a thick-skin and my attitude may appear unaffected or indifferent, but this certainly does not ...
Inside-out and outside-in the koala industry This article is part of a series. If you missed Part 2, please click here. Traditionally there have been two approaches to koala management: The first is the conservation sector , which focuses on protecting the natural habitat of the koala and other native wildlife. This approach works inside-out . Cons...
Types of Zoological Parks This article is part of a series. If you missed Part One, please click here . The three traditional types of zoological parks (zoos) are listed below. The fourth is the new, emergent type of zoological park; a recent evolution of the wildlife park that has witnessed the commercialisation of the traditional non-profit model...
Terms and Definitions In the zoological industry, there are various terms that describe AND determine a collection of animals. For example, the word "ZOO" historically described an establishment which held a collection of wild animals from around the world for public display. Then, the use of other terms such as "WILDLIFE PARK", "ANIMAL SANCTUARY" ...
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In 1996, the koala pumped 1.1 billion dollars into the Australian economy. A 1997 report, Koalas and Tourism: An economic evaluation, undertaken by Professor Tor Hundloe and Dr. Clive Hamilton looked at the value koalas have on the Australian tourism market. The report concluded that koalas were contributing more than 10% of the national tourism re...
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Embracing the Economic Opportunity of the Koala The 1980's and 90's saw Australia's most iconic species, the koala, reach the height of its popularity. This charismatic creature was attracting worldwide attention and quietly generating revenue for Australian businesses, government and nature parks with its friendly disposition, small size, a...
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In Australia, the koala has been represented and portrayed as a victim. Non-profit organisations and koala hospitals have heavily sold the story of the devastating impact humans have had on koala populations, noting their decline since the 1920's. While this is true - the koala is a victim of social change , and it's a well deserve title – there is...
In 2015, Dr Karl's presented Australia's " Challenge of Change " speech, describing some of the key challenges that Australia is facing. His speech coincided with the Intergenerational Report (IGR) which assesses the long-term sustainability of current Government policies and how changes to Australia's population size and age profile may impact on ...
