How to “adopt” a koala and two other alternatives to reverse its fate towards extinction

Currently, many species of animals are in a very critical situation with the danger of disappearing completely from our Planet. Koalas are one such species, but the reality is probably a little more serious for them than for other animals, because humans threaten their well-being in many ways, causing accidents or hunting.

The good news is that we can all help reverse the risk of extinction for these adorable little critters, and the awesome.club want to tell how.

The reality of koalas is really critical. Not only did humans help drive them to the risk of extinction, but also their nature which makes them prone to certain diseases. Therefore, first of all, we want you to assess the problem that this species faces to stay alive:

In mid-2019, through an official statement, the Australian Koala Foundation (Australian Koala Foundation, in free translation) declared that this species is “functionally extinct”, because there are less than 80,000 animals, a number that cannot increase on its own. Australia, the country where they originate, has built many roads near their habitats, where accidents occur that threaten the lives of these animals. only in Pacific Highway in New South Wales, more than 50 koalas died between 2014 and 2018, a number that increases every day.

Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, is another threat faced by these marsupials. A koala that has this disease transmits it during mating and an infected specimen becomes sterile and unable to reproduce. The matter becomes more serious if we consider that, in some parts of Australia, 90% of koalas are infected. More than 80% of the eucalyptus forests — the main source of food for koalas — in Australia have been cleared. Only 20% left to feed these animals. The recent forest fires in the country have significantly affected the conservation of the species. “This has been a very tragic situation for koalas. There are estimates that about 8,000 died from fires in the New South Wales region and around 30% of their habitats in the north of the country have been affected,” said Chris Dickman, an expert on Australian biodiversity at the University of Sydney.

The danger of koala extinction has attracted the attention of many people who want to reverse this problem, including the government, which, although it has not passed any law to protect this species, has launched applications that allow people to register the location where they find a koala, to that it be protected.

Therefore, if someone is close to these animals, they can use the app, offer water, both to help the species and others, in addition to campaigning and planting trees, or participating in training to become a volunteer, among many other things.

But what happens if we are far away and want to help the koala population? First of all, we need to know that there are foundations, hospitals and organizations responsible for protecting, helping and healing koalas. These institutions offer some alternatives so that those who live far away can also collaborate.

In general, all organizations need people’s help and empathy, as a large part of their income for the care and protection of koalas comes from donations. If institutions have enough income, more koalas will be saved. Below you will find a list of the main centers where you can donate. Each offers different options; for example, you can give gift certificates, donate in someone’s name and even make it in your will, among other possibilities.

WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service): Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organisation.

WWF: World Wide Fund for Nature, an institution that is even present here in Brazil and that is also helping in the case of the fires that occurred in Australia. Once the outbreaks have been controlled, the organization’s members take care of the affected animals.

AKF: the Australian Koala Foundation, as the name implies, is particularly and especially dedicated to the preservation of these animals and is a “private” foundation; therefore, it does not receive subsidies from the government. Koala Hospital: is a rehabilitation center for wild animals, but also a research center to improve the quality of life for animals in Australia; for this reason it is affiliated with the University of Sydney, the Queensland University of Technology and the Australian Museum.

“Adopting” a koala is probably the most tender way to help these marsupials. Of course, it’s worth mentioning and clarifying that this doesn’t mean you will take care of a koala and take him home as a pet. They are very sensitive animals that cannot simply change their environment without causing repercussions. Therefore, if you decide to “adopt” one, you should know that it will only be in a symbolic way and that this adoption lasts for one year. This alternative is offered by Koala Hospital and the Australian Koala Foundation.

Both institutions offer koalas of all types, from young ones to mothers with their babies. In addition, before adopting, they explain a little about the animal’s life, where it comes from and whether it is free or not. After the adoption, you will be sent a adoption certificate printed, stating your name (or that of the person you want to give as a gift), plus the name and photo of your koala. The packages also contain prints of koalas, the written history of the animal you adopted and your photographs. Also, if you have the opportunity to travel to Australia, you can live with him. All you need to do is choose yours here or here, provide your information, make the payment and wait for your certificate.

The Australian Koala Foundation also offers the option to plant a tree online. This means that you will pay to have a member of the foundation plant a tree in your name. The specimens will be planted at Quinlan, a 40 hectare property that is being adapted for create the ideal habitat for koalas.

If you decide to plant a tree, you can choose to do it in your name, in memory of someone else or as a gift to someone else. The 3 planting options will allow you to get a certificate and ensure that your name and/or whoever decides is engraved on a steel plaque, which will hang on Quinlan’s wall of honor. All you need to do is provide your information, make the payment and wait for your certificate to arrive.

Have you contributed, in any way, to save lives, animal species and/or helped the Planet, which is on the verge of devastation? Do you think it’s worth taking action? Or do you feel like it’s a distant and strange situation? Share your thoughts in the comments.